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Eco-Innovation and Firm Efficiency: Empirical Evidence from Slovenia

Author

Listed:
  • Jana Hojnik

    (University of Primorska (Slovenia))

  • Mitja Ruzzier

    (University of Primorska (Slovenia))

  • Tatiana Manolova

    (Bentley University (USA))

Abstract

Eco-innovation plays an increasingly important role for the competitiveness of companies. They open up new market opportunities due to the growing demand for eco-friendly products and can increase business efficiency. Using a dynamic capabilities lens, this article analyzes the relationships between various types of eco-innovation (product, process and organizational) and firm efficiency in the context of less innovative and more innovative companies. We use data from an online survey of Slovenian companies that have implemented eco-innovations as part of their operations. Statistical tests include an analysis of variance and a linear regression analysis. We find that organizational eco-innovation positively affects firm efficiency at all companies independent of their innovation potential, while process eco-innovation is positively associated with firm efficiency only among more innovative companies. In addition, at less innovative companies, firm age positively affects firm efficiency, suggesting that older and less innovative companies may enjoy learning curve benefits derived from experience. However, firm size has a positive effect on firm efficiency at more innovative companies, suggesting that more innovative companies may benefit from economies of scale. In general, more innovative companies are more likely to engage in eco-innovation and more likely to derive cost benefits (efficiency) from different types of eco-innovation. The main limitations of our analysis are the subjective data on the level of firms’ innovation and efficiency, the cross-sectional study design, and the single-country setting. Further in-depth longitudinal studies could better model the direction of causality between the implementation of eco-innovation and business efficiency, obtain objective data on business innovation, and ensure a more detailed and nuanced exploration of dynamic firm capabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jana Hojnik & Mitja Ruzzier & Tatiana Manolova, 2017. "Eco-Innovation and Firm Efficiency: Empirical Evidence from Slovenia," Foresight and STI Governance (Foresight-Russia till No. 3/2015), National Research University Higher School of Economics, vol. 11(3), pages 103-111.
    • Handle: RePEc:hig:fsight:v:11:y:2017:i:3:p:103-111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ana de Jesus & Minna Lammi & Teresa Domenech & Fedra Vanhuyse & Sandro Mendonça, 2021. "Eco-Innovation Diversity in a Circular Economy: Towards Circular Innovation Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-22, October.
    3. Soyemi Kenny Adedapo & Okewale Joel Adeniyi & Olaniyan Joshua Damilare, 2021. "Environmental Responsiveness and Firm Value: Evidence from Nigeria," Acta Universitatis Sapientiae, Economics and Business, Sciendo, vol. 9(1), pages 133-155, September.
    4. Natalia M. Mamedova & Zoya V. Bezveselnaya & Marina I. Ivleva & Vera Komarova, 2022. "Environmental management for sustainable business development," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 9(3), pages 134-151, March.
    5. Francisco Gatica-Neira & Mario Ramos-Maldonado, 2022. "Limits to the Productivity in Biobased Territorial SMEs," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, May.
    6. Pérez-Pérez, Juan Fernando & Parra, Juan Felipe & Serrano-García, Jakeline, 2021. "A system dynamics model: Transition to sustainable processes," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    7. Hermundsdottir, Fanny & Haneberg, Dag Håkon & Aspelund, Arild, 2022. "Analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on environmental innovations in manufacturing firms," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    eco-innovation; circular economy; firm efficiency; product eco-innovation; process eco-innovation; organizational eco-innovation; sustainability; more innovative companies; less innovative companies; Slovenia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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