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Knowledge-Based Capabilities and Green Innovation in Sustainable Enterprises: Evidence from Ecuador

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  • Darwin Marcelo Varela-Lascano

    (Bioeconomy and Bio-Trade Research Group—BIOB, Faculty of Socio-Environmental Sciences, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam-URAI, Tena 150150, Ecuador)

  • Jessica Elizabeth Medina Arias

    (Social Economies, Faculty of Socio-Environmental Sciences, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam-URAI, Tena 150150, Ecuador)

  • Lorena Edith Rodríguez Rojas

    (Tropical Ecosystems and Global Change Research Group, Faculty of Socio-Environmental Sciences, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam-URAI, Tena 150150, Ecuador)

Abstract

The knowledge economy and green innovation are fundamental pillars for the transition towards sustainable production models. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of intellectual capital, green knowledge management and environmental practices on green innovation in SMEs in Tena. A quantitative cross-sectional approach was developed, applying a structured questionnaire to a sample of 64 green enterprises. Data analysis was performed using a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM), after evaluating the psychometric properties of the measurement model. The results show that the model explains 40% of the variance in green innovation. It was confirmed that Environmental and Technological Practices (ETPs) have the strongest and most significant effect on innovation, followed to a lesser extent by Intellectual Capital, whose influence was positive but marginal. Green Knowledge Management did not show a statistically significant impact. It is concluded that green innovation in Amazonian enterprises depends primarily on the adoption of technological infrastructure and tangible practices, while the systematization of knowledge remains a pending challenge.

Suggested Citation

  • Darwin Marcelo Varela-Lascano & Jessica Elizabeth Medina Arias & Lorena Edith Rodríguez Rojas, 2026. "Knowledge-Based Capabilities and Green Innovation in Sustainable Enterprises: Evidence from Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:11:p:5300-:d:1951206
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