Sustainable Innovation


Book Description

The most important theme of the discourse on sustainable development and sustainability challenges concerns the relationship between innovation and sustainability. This book represents a realistic critical overview of the state of affairs of sustainable innovations, offering an accessible and comprehensive diagnostic point of reference for both the academic and practitioner worlds. In order for sustainable innovation to truly become mainstream practice in business it is necessary to find out how organizations can strategically and efficiently accommodate sustainability and innovation in such a manner that they accomplish value capturing (for firms, stakeholders, and for society), not merely creating a return on the social responsibility agenda. Addressing this challenge, the book draws together research from a range of perspectives in order to understand the potential shifts and barriers, benefits, and outcomes from all angles: inception, strategic process, and impact for companies and society. The book also delivers insights of (open) innovation in public sector organizations, which is not so much a process of invention as it is one of adoption and diffusion. It examines how the environmental pillar of the triple bottom line in private firms is often a by-product of thinking about the economic pillar, where cost reductions may be achieved through process innovation in terms of eliminating waste and reducing energy consumption. The impact of open innovation on process innovation, and sustainable process innovation in particular, is an underexplored area but is examined in this book. It also considers the role of the individual entrepreneur in bringing about sustainable innovation; entrepreneurs, their small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the innovation ecosystems they build play a significant role in generating sustainable innovations where these smaller organizations are much more flexible than large organizations in targeting societal needs and challenges. The readership will incorporate PhD students and postgraduate researchers, as well as practitioners from organizational advisory fields.




Small Firms As Innovators: From Innovation To Sustainable Growth


Book Description

Small Firms as Innovators: From Innovation to Sustainable Growth provides a rich empirical analysis of innovation in the context of small business. The book first introduces the general innovation patterns present in small firms. It then progresses to demonstrate how these firms create and strengthen their innovation capacity, how they transform this capacity into real-world innovations and how these innovations are exploited for creating superior competitiveness that can be transforemed into sustainable growth. To conclude, this book offers both theoretical and empirical insights for measuring and managing innovation performance in small firms.




Sustainable Human-Environment Interactions from Scientific, Technological, and Psychological Perspectives


Book Description

In 2016, Japan proposed “Society 5.0”, a concept in which innovation and technology are used to solve social problems. The core elements of Society 5.0 include problem-solving and value creation, interdisciplinary skills, diverse opportunities, resilience, and environmental harmony. This concept also highlights the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which all individuals and organizations need to face. The promotion of the SDGs from a psychological perspective is believed to be beneficial and aligns with the intention of the United Nations. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be examined from a microscopic level to understand individuals' mental processes and attitudes toward them. Investigating the relationships between the SDGs and social and positive psychology can benefit their promotion. Discussing the SDGs from a psychological perspective aligns with the intention of the United Nations.




Business Performance Measurement and Management


Book Description

Measuring and managing the performance of a business is one of the most genuine desires of management. Balanced scorecard, the performance prism and activity-based management are the most popular frameworks in this setting. Based on the findings of R.G. Eccles’ acclaimed "Performance Measurement Manifesto (1991)" this book introduces new contexts and themes of application and presents emerging research areas related to business performance measurement and management, e.g. SMEs and sustainability. As a result of the 1st International Summer School Piero Lunghi on "Perspectives of Business Performance Management" this book is written both for students and academics, as well as for practitioners looking for new, yet proven ways to measure and manage business performance.




Case Studies: Insights on Agriculture Innovation 2018 (IAAS Series)


Book Description

[Foreword] The annual International Agriculture Innovation Conference (IAIC) series started in October 2016 as an assembly platform for leading researchers, educators, and developers to present, discuss, and examine various challenging issues relating to agricultural production and innovation. In January 2018, the International Association for Agricultural Sustainability (IAAS) took IAIC under its wing with expectations that IAIC expands its influence by inviting more agriculture-related professionals to participate in conferences. I sincerely welcome you to join our conference and to share your ideas on agriculture sustainability with us. First, I would like to thank the 2018 conference participants who successfully helped us create the IAIC. The IAIC 2018 would not have been successful without their support and cooperation. Next, I especially appreciate the assistance and support from the other Organizer of IAIC 2018- Institute of Agricultural Planning of CAU, China. Last but not least, the keynote speakers of IAIC 2018. This book would not have been published without their efforts and contributions. In order to improve current agricultural circumstances and attain environmental sustainability, agriculture innovation has become the primary strategy nowadays toward achieving these goals. The concept of adapting agricultural innovation to every phase of agricultural production and management is the foundation for this book. This is the sequel of book《Case Studies: Insights On Agriculture Innovation 2017》which collects information on various agricultural innovation ideas and technologies that have been applied or are being developed for agricultural operations and management in different countries. I believe this book will provide you with new and inspiring ideas about the future of agriculture development, and illustrate how innovations in methods and techniques influence agriculture production, environmental sustainability, and the quality of people’s lives around the world. (Dr. Cheng-I Wei, Chairman of IAAS) [Contents] Foreword Preface Introduction of Authors About IAAS Chapter 01 An Ecological Life-Cycle-The Case of Wapno (Göran Svensson / Carmen Padin Fabeiro) Chapter 02 The Application of PMI in Agriculture (Tzong-Ru Lee / Wen-Shin Lin) Chapter 03 Knowledge Management and Innovation: New Trends (Joanna Paliszkiewicz / Magdalena Mądra-Sawicka) Chapter 04 Building Platform Agribusinesses: Opportunity & Challenges(Tan Wee Liang) Chapter 05 Agricultural Innovation and Climate Change Adaptation under Thailand 4.0 National Policy (Nirote Sinnarong / Olalekan Israel Aiikulola) Chapter 06 Supply Chain Performance of Sustainable Palm Oil with Incorporating Big Data (Rika Ampuh Hadiguna) Chapter 07 The Way to Rural Revitalization in the Age of Digital Economy (Tianzhu Zhang / Abudurezhake· Yishake / Chunming Bai / Nannan Ren / Duomei Chai)




Green Innovation in Central and Eastern Europe


Book Description

Green Innovation in Central and Eastern Europe aims to explore the crucial role of green innovation in guiding organisations towards sustainable development amidst contemporary environmental challenges. It comprehensively examines the concept of the green economy, highlighting its essential features and its significance in promoting organisational sustainability. The study delves into the global state of green economy development, analysing trends in renewable energy, circular economy practices, and green technology innovations. Additionally, it investigates the role of international organisations in supporting the green economy and its impact on global trade and business opportunities. The monograph also addresses strategic planning processes that enable enterprises to integrate sustainability goals into their business strategies, with a focus on social and environmental aspects. It evaluates recycling as a central component of the circular economy, considering its economic and environmental impacts, and underscores the importance of green leadership in fostering a sustainable organisational culture through ethical decision-making and environmental considerations. The book will cater to a diverse audience, including professionals, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders committed to steering organisations towards sustainable development. It serves business executives and managers looking to integrate eco-conscious strategies within their organisations, researchers and academics in environmental science and business management, policymakers involved in crafting environmental policies, and environmental advocates seeking practical approaches to advance green initiatives. The content is particularly pertinent to professionals in the European Union and Central and Eastern European countries, with specific insights and case studies from Poland, Estonia, and Ukraine.




Sustainability Performance Evaluation System in Government


Book Description

Progressing towards sustainable development raises important challenges to conducting performance evaluations in governments because there are neither generally accepted methods nor specific standards to be met at present. Sustainability Performance Evaluation System in Government, makes a conceptual contribution to public sustainability performance evaluation and develops a set of framework indicators with the help of the strategic and comprehensive approach “Sustainability Balanced Scorecard”. As a conceptual basis for the further research and application, this volume will be of great interest to researchers and practitioners at many levels of environmental / sustainability, public management and strategic control studies. Evaluators will find methodological approaches and applied tools for their work. Decision-makers and managers will find it valuable to manage the social, economic and environmental issues in a balanced and integrated manner. Governments will also find it helpful in assisting them in establishing an evaluation system towards sustainable development.




Innovation in Sustainable Management and Entrepreneurship


Book Description

This book analyses state-of-the-art techniques in business process management as drivers of advanced entrepreneurship, financial management, supply chain management, and sustainability management. The role of management in a rapidly-changing environment and the use of innovative methods and techniques to address and solve key management problems are also explored.