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Moving beyond the tensions in open environmental innovation towards a holistic perspective

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  • Tiziana Russo Spena
  • Nadia Di Paola

Abstract

This paper analyses factors determining open environmental innovation (EI) and explores the possibility of embracing their tensions to achieve integrated environmental strategic goals. Building on recent literature linking open innovation and EI, the study assumes open EI strategic goals as a multidimensional construct based on the “synergistic and interwoven nature” of four identified enabling factors, that is, partners, knowledge, benefits, and motivations. A fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) based on Boolean algebra is conducted to analyse a set of 186 European companies operating in the telecommunication and information and communication technology (ICT) service industries. Making important theoretical, managerial, and policy contributions, this paper offers insights into the key factors enabling open EI and the tensional relationships within and between them. In doing so, it captures the non‐linear effects among these factors and the strategic goals related to an open EI strategy. It also suggests how the paradox theory might help in addressing the tensional dilemma of open EI strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Tiziana Russo Spena & Nadia Di Paola, 2020. "Moving beyond the tensions in open environmental innovation towards a holistic perspective," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(5), pages 1961-1974, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:29:y:2020:i:5:p:1961-1974
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2481
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    2. Shaker M. Al-Kahtani & Nabil Ahmed Mareai Senan & Ibtisam Dhuwayhi Alanazi, 2024. "Environmental Responsibility, Strategy, and Competitive Advantage: Mediating Effect of Environmental Innovation," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 14(3), pages 316-331, May.
    3. Jip Leendertse & Frank J. van Rijnsoever & Chris P. Eveleens, 2021. "The sustainable start‐up paradox: Predicting the business and climate performance of start‐ups," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(2), pages 1019-1036, February.
    4. Mark G. Edwards, 2021. "The growth paradox, sustainable development, and business strategy," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(7), pages 3079-3094, November.
    5. Olimpia Meglio & Nadia Di Paola, 2021. "Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Well-Being and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-6, August.
    6. Adriana Liute & Maria Rosa De Giacomo, 2022. "The environmental performance of UK‐based B Corp companies: An analysis based on the triple bottom line approach," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(3), pages 810-827, March.

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