Facilitating Sustainable Innovation through Collaboration - A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective

Contents

Contributors

List of Figures

List of Tables

List of Boxes

1 Facilitating Sustainable Innovation through Collaboration

1.1 Defining Sustainability, Defining Innovation

1.2 Innovation for Sustainable Enterprise

1.3 Introduction to the Content of the Book

1.4 Concluding Overview and Suggestions for Future Research Directions

References

2 Sustainability Considerations and Triple-Helix Collaboration in Regional Innovation Systems

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 The Four Case Studies

2.1.2 Background

2.2 Theoretical Foundation

2.2.1 The Basic Principle for Investments

2.2.2 Analogies and Metaphors as Tools to Conceptualize New Aspects

2.2.3 The Entrepreneur as a ''Driver''

2.3 Case Studies

2.3.1 The Øresund Science Region

2.3.2 Leadership Training as a Driver in Sustainable Business Development

2.3.3 Mobility of Experts for Promotion of Regional Development

2.3.4 Hard-Wood Business Development as a Driver for Sustainable Forestry

2.4 Summary of Case Study Results

2.5 Discussion

2.5.1 Investments in Renewal Oriented Abilities

2.5.2 Sustainable Innovation as a Core Business Priority

2.5.3 Freedom of Action

2.5.4 Triple Helix

2.5.5 Collaboration

2.6 Concluding Remarks

References

3 Partnerships and Sustainable Regional Innovation Systems: Special Roles for Universities?

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Systems of Innovation

3.2.1 Regional Innovation Systems

3.2.2 Regional Partnerships as Systems of Innovation

3.3 Two Cases of Partnerships

3.3.1 Green Network

3.3.2 Sustainable Business Forum North Denmark

3.4 Discussion

3.5 Conclusions

References

4 Obstacles to and Facilitators of the Implementation of Small Urban Wind Turbines in the Netherlands

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Analytical Framework

4.2.1 The Functions of Innovation Systems Approach (FIS)

4.2.1.1 Function 1: Entrepreneurial Activities

4.2.1.2 Function 2: Knowledge Development

4.2.1.3 Function 3: Knowledge Diffusion

4.2.1.4 Function 4: Guidance of the Search

4.2.1.5 Function 5: Market Formation

4.2.1.6 Function 6: Mobilisation of Resources

4.2.1.7 Function 7: Support from Advocacy Coalitions

4.2.1.8 Virtuous and Vicious Cycles

4.2.1.9 Relative Importance of Functions

4.2.2 The Socio-Technical Systems Approach

4.2.3 Strategic Niche Management (SNM)

4.3 Small Urban Wind Turbines (UWTs) in the Netherlands

4.3.1 Functions of Innovation Systems

4.3.1.1 Function 1: Entrepreneurial Activities

4.3.1.2 Function 2: Knowledge Development

4.3.1.3 Function 3: Knowledge Diffusion

4.3.1.4 Function 4: Guidance of the Search

4.3.1.5 Function 5: Market Formation

4.3.1.6 Function 6: Mobilisation of Resources

4.3.1.7 Function 7: Support from Advocacy Coalitions

4.3.2 Socio-technical Systems: Landscape Regime -- Niche

4.3.2.1 Fit Within the Landscape Regime (Including Technical Regime Aspects)

4.3.2.2 Technical Characteristics

4.3.2.3 Network Aspects -- Network Structure, Alignment, Expectations and Macro Actors

4.4 Conclusion and Discussion

4.4.1 Obstacles and Facilitators

4.4.2 Virtuous and Vicious Cycles

4.4.3 Implications for Collaboration

4.4.4 Implications for Policy-Making

References

5 Regional Sustainability, Innovation and Welfare Through an Adaptive Process Model

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Conceptual Review

5.3 Methodology

5.3.1 Transforming the 'Matrix of Good Practice Elements in RTD' into a Working Model

5.3.2 Developing, Implementing the Adaptive Model Process

5.3.2.1 Developing the Adaptive Model

5.3.2.2 Developing the Regional Actions Plans

5.4 Results: Adaptive Model, Action Plans, and Improved Collaborative Processes

5.4.1 Adaptive Model

5.4.2 Regional Action Plans

5.5 Discussion, Conclusions, and Implications for Policy and Practice

5.5.1 Exploring Added-Value of the Adaptive Model Approach

5.5.1.1 Stimulates Regions to Assume Ownership of Improvement Process

5.5.1.2 Facilitates Discourse in Searching for Best-fit Between Multi-actor Setting and Ambitions

5.5.1.3 Initiates Continuous Interactive Learning and Developing Adaptable Modes of Embeddedness

5.5.1.4 Encourages Pro-active Governance

5.5.2 Conclusions and Implications for Policy and Practice

References

6 FOCISS for an Effective Sustainable Innovation Strategy

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Sustainability and Small Enterprises

6.1.2 The System Character of Sustainability

6.1.3 Developing a Practical Tool

6.2 FOCISS, the Principle Aspects

6.2.1 A Practice Based Approach

6.2.2 Basic Principles

6.2.3 Creating Commitment and Collaboration

6.3 FOCISS, the Practical Aspects

6.3.1 The Set-Up

6.3.2 Interviews and the FOCISS Matrix

6.3.3 Rating Method

6.3.4 Structured Discussion and Selection

6.4 An Evaluation of FOCISS Effectiveness

6.4.1 Benchmarking

6.4.2 Better Selection

6.4.3 More Fundamental Innovations

6.4.4 Reducing Obstacles for Implementation

6.4.5 Improving Communication, Commitment and Collaboration

6.5 Conclusions and Recommendations

6.5.1 General

6.5.2 Business Management

6.5.3 Policy

6.5.4 Research

References

7 The Emergence of Sustainable Innovations: Key Factors and Regional Support Structures

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Sustainable Innovations and Firms Needs

7.3 Functions of Regional Innovations Systems and Support Structures

7.4 Analysis of Sustainable Innovations

7.4.1 What Are the Suppport Needs of Firms in Sustainable Innovation Processes?

7.4.2 How Do These Needs Differ Across Types of Firms and Innovations, e.g. SMEs vs Large Firms, and More Incremental vs Sustainable (Radical) Innovations?

7.4.3 How Effective Are Regional Support Actors in Providing Functions in Sustainable Innovation Processes?

7.5 Discussion and Conclusions

References

8 Disruption or Sustenance? An Institutional Analysis of the Sustainable Business Network in West Michigan

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Conceptual Crossroads: The Intersection of Innovation, Sustainability, and Regional Development

8.2.1 Understanding Innovation

8.2.2 Muddling Toward Sustainability

8.2.3 Scaling Up Through Networks

8.3 Understanding the Role of Institutions in Fostering Innovation for Sustainability

8.4 A Brief Institutional Analysis of the West Michigan Region (Michigan, USA)

8.4.1 Methodology

8.4.2 Exogenous Variables

8.4.2.1 Biophysical and Material Conditions

8.4.2.2 Attributes of Community

8.4.2.3 Rules

8.4.3 Action Arena/Interactions

8.4.4 Outcomes

8.4.5 Evaluation

8.5 Conclusions/Areas for Further Research

References

9 Regional Perspectives on Capacity Building for Ecodesign Insights from Wales

9.1 Introduction and Context

9.2 Ecodesign Practice

9.2.1 Ecodesign and Sustainable Regional Development

9.3 Theoretical Framework

9.3.1 Systems Failure

9.3.2 System Failure and Ecodesign in SMEs

9.4 Methodology

9.4.1 Initiative Process Model

9.5 Preliminary Results

9.5.1 Presentation of the Cases

9.6 Box 9.1 Case Study Company A

9.5.1 Company A (Micro-SME)

9.5.1 Company A and the Environment

9.5.1 Initial Outcomes

9.6 Box 9.2 Case Study Company B

9.5.1 Company B (Mid-Range SME)

9.5.1 Company B and the Environment

9.5.1 Initial Outcomes

9.6 Box 9.3 Case Study Company C

9.5.1 Company C (Mid-Range SME)

9.5.1 Company C and the Environment

9.5.1 Initial Outcomes

9.6 Box 9.4 Case Study Company D

9.5.1 Company D (Upper-Range SME)

9.5.1 Company D and the Environment

9.5.1 Initial Outcomes

9.5.2 Initial Analysis

9.5.2.1 Capacity

9.5.2.2 Endogenous Change and Adaptation

9.5.2.3 Performance

9.5.2.4 Interaction

9.6 Discussion and Conclusions

References

10 Fostering Responsible Tourism Business Practices Through Collaborative Capacity-Building

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Background

10.3 The Projects

10.3.1 Caravan & Camping Industry Association Gumnut Awards

10.3.2 The Sea Change for Sustainable Tourism Program

10.4 Evaluation of the Programs

10.5 Successes, Limitations and Barriers in Each Project

10.5.1 The CCIA Gumnut Awards

10.5.2 Sea Change for Sustainable Tourism

10.6 Reviewing Processes, Constructing Partnerships and Improving Theory and Practice

10.7 Conclusion

References

11 Backcasting Using Principles for ImplementingCradle-to-Cradle

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Cradle-to-Cradle

11.3 Current Status of Cradle-to-Cradle Implementation in the Netherlands

11.4 The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development

11.4.1 Success

11.4.2 Strategy: Backcasting and Strategic Guidelines

11.4.3 Actions and Tools

11.5 Supporting Cradle-to-Cradle with the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development

11.6 Principles for Cradle-to-Cradle and FSSD

11.7 Backcasting Using the Cradle-to-Cradle Concept

11.8 Synergetic Nature of Cradle-to-Cradle and the FSSD

References

12 Corporate Strategies for Sustainable Innovations

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Theoretical Background

12.3 Research Method

12.4 Comparative Findings

12.5 Organisational Factors

12.6 Cultural Factors

12.7 External Factors

12.8 Discussion

12.9 Recommendations and Conclusion

References

13 Strategic Alliances for Environmental Protection

13.1 Introduction

13.2 Understanding Strategic Alliance Formation

13.2.1 Resource-Based Explanations

13.2.2 Institutional Explanations

13.3 Dynamic Stategic Alliance Orientation

13.4 Relationship Between Strategic Alliances and Firms Adoption of Environmental Strategies

13.4.1 Types of Environmental Strategy

13.4.2 Strategic Alliances and Environmental Strategy

13.4.2.1 Proposition 1: Competency-Oriented Alliances Tend to Associate with More Proactive Environmental Strategies

13.4.2.2 Proposition 2: Legitimacy-Oriented Alliances Tend to Associate with Less Proactive Environmental Strategies

13.5 Conclusion

References

14 Towards Sustainability Through Collaboration Between Industrial Sectors and Government: The Mexican Case

14.1 Introduction

14.2 Literature Review

14.3 Environmental Management and Voluntary Approach in Mexico

14.4 Explorative Survey of Attitudes Towards the Application of Negotiated Agreements in Mexico

14.5 Results and Discussion of Data

14.5.1 Evaluating Mexican Environmental Policy and Options for Improvement

14.5.1.1 Better Instrumentation

14.5.1.2 Improving Implementation

14.5.2 Expectations to Be Met by Negotiated Agreements Ambition of Negotiated Agreements

14.5.2.1 Efficiency of Negotiated Agreements

14.5.2.2 Positive Side-Effects of Negotiated Agreements

14.5.3 Feasibility of Negotiated Agreements in Mexico

14.6 Summary and Conclusions

References

Index