Search results
1 – 10 of 37Interdependence on the global economy and rapid technological changes raised the degree of uncertainty and complexity, leading to innovation challenges. Innovation depends on…
Abstract
Purpose
Interdependence on the global economy and rapid technological changes raised the degree of uncertainty and complexity, leading to innovation challenges. Innovation depends on knowledge, and the solution might rest on how sound firms manage it, particularly in emerging markets such as India. The purpose of this paper is to examine how firms implement knowledge management (KM) in highly innovation-oriented firms (biotechnology and pharmaceuticals) and the factors affecting its implementation by examining knowledge interactions between individuals.
Design/methodology/approach
This study consists of a systematic literature review, a case study with embedded units and the use of grounded theory to analyse the data. The factors emerging from the results were examined from an individual and organisational lens. Next, complexity theory (CT) was used to understand the impact of these factors in KM by facilitating its incorporation as a system.
Findings
The findings of this paper suggest that constant technology adoption increases human-to-technology interaction, higher circulation of existing knowledge and more controlled environments, discouraging individuals from learning or sharing knowledge. From a system perspective, results of this paper suggest that firms self-organise around technology, indicating that innovation decreases as knowledge creation and sharing tend to reduce with lesser social interactions. This study shows the usefulness of using CT in analysing KM for innovation. The performance of the system is analysed based on its constituents and interactions.
Originality/value
This study contributes to advancing CT in KM in the context of innovation in highly knowledge-intensive firms, as few studies were found in the literature.
Details
Keywords
Thinh Gia Hoang, Cuong Van Hoang, Nam Hai Vu, Giang Tinh Ngo Nguyen and Thanh Thi Huong Nguyen
This paper aims to explore how research and development (R&D) scientists and engineers can contribute to sustainability initiatives in their organisations.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how research and development (R&D) scientists and engineers can contribute to sustainability initiatives in their organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a critical case study methodology, focussed on a large Vietnamese company in which business leaders sought to engage R&D scientists and engineers in sustainability initiatives focussed on eco-innovation and eco-efficiency. Bourdieu’s theoretical lens of habitus, capitals and field facilitates a relational analysis of the findings.
Findings
While R&D scientists and engineers adapted well to early changes aligned with eco-innovation, they struggled to engage with sustainability initiatives in the case firm. This study explains adaptions and constraints as scientists and engineers’ professional habitus and capitals, and their broader organisational field.
Practical implications
This paper provides insight into how organisations might integrate professional acculturation and appropriate facilitators to promote the additional contribution of scientists and engineers to sustainability initiatives in the context of an organisation.
Social implications
Although eco-innovation and eco-efficiency are only potential dimensions of comprehensive organisational sustainability reform, this research provides insight into how engaging scientists and engineers with a broader social sustainability agenda might be advanced.
Originality/value
The study addresses calls for empirical insights into ways that scientists and engineers can commit to organisational sustainability practices based on the configurations of habitus, capital and organisational field.
Details
Keywords
Sajid Ullah, Farman Ullah Khan and Imran Saeed
The aim of the paper is to rank and analyze the key strategies to sustainable finance adoption in the manufacturing sector using Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), Interpretive Structural…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the paper is to rank and analyze the key strategies to sustainable finance adoption in the manufacturing sector using Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC (impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification) analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
The study develops a novel framework to identify and analyze the mutual relationships among set of sustainable policies using extensive literature survey and experts opinion. Initially, the study found 14 strategies to implement sustainable finance with the help of vast literature. Then, the list of identified factors were screened through Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). Based on driving and dependence power, the final list of factors are divided into three categories.
Findings
The study findings reveal that “environmental rules and practices”, “financial incentives, tax reduction and subsidy”, have strongest driving power for promoting sustainable financial system in Pakistani manufacturing sector. Furthermore, “environmental awareness” and “long term vision” are found to be highly influenced by other corresponding elements in a system.
Practical implications
The ISM approach assists professionals, academics, and managers in identifying and ranking policies in implementing green business techniques. The hierarchical representation of ISM results provides a roadmap for decision-makers to navigate and prioritize factors effectively, facilitating the implementation of strategies that contribute to sustainable growth within organizations.
Social implications
The study results provide interesting clues regarding green finance policies that provide the foundations, incentives, protections or other provisions that support the ecological conservancy’s mission. Specifically, the findings guide that government must offer research grants to private enterprises, research and development institutions, and universities to promote environmental protection and develop transformative technologies such as waste recycling, renewable energy, carbon capture, and power consumption.
Originality/value
The exploration of strategies for sustainable finance adoption with the help of mixed methodological approach and classification of these strategies on the basis of importance level is a new attempt in the field of manufacturing sector.
Details
Keywords
Mahakdeep Singh, Kanwarpreet Singh and Amanpreet Singh Sethi
Competition and globalization in the today’s scenario have posed many pressures on all manufacturing enterprises either it be small or medium scale organizations but at different…
Abstract
Purpose
Competition and globalization in the today’s scenario have posed many pressures on all manufacturing enterprises either it be small or medium scale organizations but at different levels. The purpose of this paper is to comprehend the usage of comparison for rankings between analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach and find out best parameters, which is a multi-decision-making method for quantifying the implementation of green manufacturing.
Design/methodology/approach
In this investigation, eight aspects, for instance, top management commitment and support, organizational practices, peer government pressure, peer social pressure, customer’s attributes, green supply chain management, government support and adoption of new/ supportive technologies have been identified to examine priority weights by the use of AHP. A comparative methodology is used between AHP and TOPSIS rankings and further identifying the success possibility of green manufacturing using AHP technique.
Findings
Green supply chain management, customer’s attributes and organizational practices have been ranked at first three places, respectively, while adoption of new/ supportive technologies, top management commitment and support have been ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, according to AHP and TOPSIS techniques, which declares that results of the study are validated by two different techniques. The important factors discussed in this research can assist the different organizations to concentrate on imperative sections and assigning obligatory resources for assuring successful green manufacturing execution in various small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Originality/value
The variables identified for the research are suitable to SMEs.
Details
Keywords
Rafaela Cabral Almeida Trizotto, Leandro da Silva Nascimento, Josiane Piva Testolin da Silva and Paulo Antônio Zawislak
Challenges related to sustainability have increasingly become pivotal in the realm of business strategy and innovation. Nevertheless, the incorporation of sustainability…
Abstract
Purpose
Challenges related to sustainability have increasingly become pivotal in the realm of business strategy and innovation. Nevertheless, the incorporation of sustainability principles into business strategies and innovative practices remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. This paper aims to undertake a thematic literature review on this theme.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from the Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct databases. The final sample comprised 85 papers. For analytical purposes, this study adopted topic modeling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) methodology.
Findings
The authors identified five dominant topics concerning the relationship between sustainability, innovation and business strategy. Through a cross-analysis of these topics, the authors theorize that a sustainable innovation strategy encompasses three complementary and interdependent dimensions: capabilities, management and firm. Building on this analysis, the authors outline a research agenda aimed at further exploration and advancement of this theme.
Practical implications
This review enhances the synthesis of research on the theme, prompting reflections on how companies can initiate innovative sustainable actions that align with their business strategy. Additionally, the authors identify specific elements that require improvement to enhance each of the three dimensions of sustainable innovation strategies, such as eco-efficiency, circular economy and the adoption of innovative business models oriented toward services/servitization.
Social implications
By interweaving sustainability with innovation and business strategy, this study underscores the critical topics that companies and public policymakers should address to support sustainable development at the national level.
Originality/value
While previous literature reviews have focused on the dyadic relationships between sustainability and strategy, or sustainability and innovation, this study extends the boundaries of knowledge by integrating these three concepts into a hybrid theoretical stream.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of product innovation on the relation between the knowledge management and competitive advantage. To analyze the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of product innovation on the relation between the knowledge management and competitive advantage. To analyze the effect of knowledge management on innovation, the effect of knowledge management on competitive advantage and the effect of innovation on competitive advantage in small and medium enterprises in food products are taken into account.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach used in this study was quantitative approach. The population in this study was all the small and medium entrepreneurs of typical food products of Riau and Central Java Indonesia, which consisted of 238 business units: secondary data of Industry, Trade and Cooperative Service and SME Riau and Central Java Province at 2016. The data analysis method was structural equation modeling, using three measurement models (reflection of three research variables, equivalent to the first-order factor analysis).
Findings
Product innovation mediated the effect of knowledge management on the competitive advantage. It indicated that the higher the knowledge management, the higher the competitive advantage would be, if mediated by higher product innovation. The test results showed that knowledge management had positive and significant effect on product innovation. The positive effect showed that the better the knowledge management by the entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises of typical food products of Riau, the better is the product innovation and vice versa.
Originality/value
This paper examines the mediating effects (using Sobel test) of product innovation on the relation between knowledge management and competitive advantage (no previous research on this relation), and the study is conducted on SMEs in Indonesia, especially in Riau and Central Java provinces. Previous studies on knowledge management and other factors affecting competitive advantage are also mostly performed on smaller samples, that is in one work unit or department. Although the variables were the same, this study was conducted on different sample units.
Details
Keywords
Franciany Cristiny Venâncio Dugonski and Cleonir Tumelero
This study analyzed the multilevel barriers and facilitators of technological eco-innovations.
Abstract
Purpose
This study analyzed the multilevel barriers and facilitators of technological eco-innovations.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors carried out an in-depth case study in a Brazilian cosmetics company, recognized for its eco-innovative initiatives, which has the technological eco-innovation of products as a central sustainability strategy.
Findings
The results contribute to the existing literature, showing that multilevel analysis is effective for minimizing barriers and increasing facilitators, especially through the company's adoption of an eco-innovation strategy and planning methodologies. The authors identified four groups of barriers: market, raw material, governmental and company's internal factors; and four groups of facilitators: legislation, market and technological innovation, communication and environmental management.
Originality/value
The original research results contribute both to the literature and to the companies that aim to implement eco-innovative measures. The results showed that the adoption of innovation strategies and planning methodologies by the company can minimize barriers and enhance facilitators. In addition the fact is that barriers and facilitators of implementing eco-innovations are dynamic factors that require continuous monitoring since they can be a barrier in one circumstance and a facilitator in another.
Details
Keywords
Mahakdeep Singh, Kanwarpreet Singh and APS Sethi
The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical barriers of green manufacturing implementation practices in Indian SME’s with the VIKOR approach.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical barriers of green manufacturing implementation practices in Indian SME’s with the VIKOR approach.
Design/methodology/approach
Challenges faced in the implementation of green manufacturing by Indian SME’s have been extracted from literature review, and questionnaire survey of Indian SME’s is done. The responses are further annealed and analysed using a factor analysis technique and ranked with the VIKOR technique.
Findings
The literature was studied, and various challenges were listed and were grouped into six critical latent challenges by using the factor analysis technique, and it was found that Economic constraints tops with the VIKOR technique. The recognition of the outcomes of critical barriers was assumed to be substantial in the current scenario.
Originality/value
Present study reveals that green manufacturing implementation in Indian SME’s faces many challenges. The outcomes of the study will help green manufacturing practitioners, HR executives and managers in the various manufacturing organizations to develop clarity in understanding and developing strategies for the implementation of green manufacturing. Hence, the information obtained from the empirical examination of barriers in implementing green manufacturing will be helpful in improving the overall implementation plan.
Details
Keywords
Sergio Román, Stefan Bodenstab and Luis Manuel Sánchez-Siles
Companies are increasingly aware of the importance of delivering economic, social and environmental benefits through sustainable innovation. This study aims to examine how…
Abstract
Purpose
Companies are increasingly aware of the importance of delivering economic, social and environmental benefits through sustainable innovation. This study aims to examine how companies manage tensions derived from sustainable innovation and identify internal and external factors that facilitate its successful implementation in the food industry.
Design/methodology/approach
An abductive and qualitative research approach was followed. Data from a multinational food manufacturer were collected from a variety of sources, which included 23 in-depth interviews with respondents from 9 different countries as well as public documents of the company under study.
Findings
Results suggest that there is no “one-size-fits-all” strategy for dealing with tensions (derived from sustainable innovations), and more than one type of strategy (i.e. win–win, trade-offs) can be used simultaneously. In addition, sustainable innovation drivers do not seem to operate in isolation and follow a particular pattern where external factors motivated the development of a new set of values, which in turn were picked up and integrated into transformations at the strategic and operational level.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the theoretical and practical discussion on sustainable innovation management by providing real business case evidence of how corporate tensions derived from sustainable innovation are managed and offers a comprehensive taxonomy of sustainable innovation drivers in the food industry.
Details
Keywords
Simone Pizzi, Rossella Leopizzi and Andrea Caputo
This study aims to investigate the evolutionary pathways adopted by a digital platform to favor the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem inspired by circular economy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the evolutionary pathways adopted by a digital platform to favor the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem inspired by circular economy behaviors, becoming an enabler in the development of a coevolutionary relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystems and circular economy.
Design/methodology/approach
An in-depth single-case study method has been applied, investigating the case of circularity.com, the first and only circular economy industrial symbiosis platform in Italy.
Findings
The paper shows how digital platforms can transition towards circular business models, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, the findings show how sustainable platforms' need to revise their business models to effectively engage with stakeholders. The analysis also shows the central role covered by entrepreneurial ecosystems in the transition towards a more circular and sustainable business models.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to theoretical development by offering new and insightful explanations of firms' behavior and coevolution, moving beyond the classic interpretation of industry dynamics and analyzing a unique case study. This study has implications for both practice and research, as it offers a better and more holistic understanding of the enabling role of digital platforms for a circular economy.
Details