How does sustainability help or hinder innovation? A study of successful companies founded on sustainability principles

Vivian Tunn, Elies Dekoninck

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter in a published conference proceeding

5 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

This research analysed how sustainability impacts innovation in industry. Qualitative data was collected during interviews with employees from seven companies founded on sustainability principles. The data includes numerous examples of successful and unsuccessful sustainable design and manufacturing initiatives. Research findings indicate that improved packaging, eco-efficiency and the exploration of more sustainable solutions for standard products are fuelled by companies’ sustainability principles and successfully drive innovation. Whereas the supply of sustainable materials and trade-offs between sustainability and desirable material properties, as well as costs, represent challenges which can hinder innovation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSmart Innovation, Systems and Technologies
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages73-83
Number of pages11
Volume52
ISBN (Print)9783319320960
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Apr 2016
Event3rd International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, SDM 2016 - Chania, Greece
Duration: 4 Apr 20166 Apr 2016

Publication series

NameSmart Innovation, Systems and Technologies
Volume52
ISSN (Print)21903018
ISSN (Electronic)21903026

Conference

Conference3rd International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, SDM 2016
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityChania
Period4/04/166/04/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • General Decision Sciences

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