TY - UNPB

T1 - Eco-Innovation in SMEs

T2 - An In-Depth Case Analysis of Transforming SMEs through Effective Partnerships

AU - Klewitz, Johanna

AU - Hansen, Erik G.

PY - 2012

Y1 - 2012

N2 - Through eco-innovations small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can contribute to sustainable development. However, in an SME context eco-innovations entail managerial complexities given advantageous and disadvantageous SME characteristics. Hence, this paper addresses the question how eco-innovations can be effectively diffused amongst SMEs. Public support programs, often functioning as public private partnerships (PPPs), are one way to diffuse eco-innovations. Through an embedded multi-case study approach we analyze five region-specific PPPs based on the “Ecoprofit” initiative. Here, we find three different eco-innovation strategies for SMEs (reactive, anticipatory, innovation-based) as proposed by Noci and Verganti (1999). Due to varying levels of absorptive capacity these SMEs respond differently to the handholding mechanisms offered by the PPP. Moreover, we find that the three SME strategic patterns also apply to the public partner behavior. This has implications for the effectiveness of public support programs, and their potential to transform SMEs into more sustainable companies.

AB - Through eco-innovations small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can contribute to sustainable development. However, in an SME context eco-innovations entail managerial complexities given advantageous and disadvantageous SME characteristics. Hence, this paper addresses the question how eco-innovations can be effectively diffused amongst SMEs. Public support programs, often functioning as public private partnerships (PPPs), are one way to diffuse eco-innovations. Through an embedded multi-case study approach we analyze five region-specific PPPs based on the “Ecoprofit” initiative. Here, we find three different eco-innovation strategies for SMEs (reactive, anticipatory, innovation-based) as proposed by Noci and Verganti (1999). Due to varying levels of absorptive capacity these SMEs respond differently to the handholding mechanisms offered by the PPP. Moreover, we find that the three SME strategic patterns also apply to the public partner behavior. This has implications for the effectiveness of public support programs, and their potential to transform SMEs into more sustainable companies.

KW - Sustainability sciences, Management & Economics

KW - Entrepreneurship

M3 - Working papers

BT - Eco-Innovation in SMEs

PB - Centre for Sustainability Management

CY - Lüneburg

ER -