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The role of informal controls in a green innovative setting: evidence from Brazilian AgTechs

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  • Anderson Betti Frare

    (Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM))

  • Ilse Maria Beuren

    (Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC))

Abstract

Agriculture technology startups (AgTechs) must align innovation interests with green sustainability, amplifying managerial challenges. Therefore, this study aims to examine the role of informal controls, green learning, and green creativity in green process innovation of AgTechs. Data from 82 Brazilian AgTechs are analyzed by partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The results show that informal controls are directly and indirectly (mediated by green learning and green creativity) associated with green process innovation. Thus, green learning and green creativity mediate to facilitate that informal controls orchestrate green process innovation. Furthermore, two causal solutions lead AgTechs to high green process innovation. This study contributes by exploring the roles of informal controls, learning, creativity, and innovation in the green innovative setting of AgTechs. The findings are relevant for founders, managers, and stakeholders to promote the green sustainability of AgTechs. Agribusiness is one of the primary sectors of the Brazilian economy. Therefore, AgTechs have a broad field to offer technological solutions for agribusiness. Consequently, understanding how these startups align innovation and sustainability to generate cleaner and sustainable production is relevant to stakeholders and society.

Suggested Citation

  • Anderson Betti Frare & Ilse Maria Beuren, 2023. "The role of informal controls in a green innovative setting: evidence from Brazilian AgTechs," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 34(4), pages 489-522, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jmgtco:v:34:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s00187-024-00367-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s00187-024-00367-4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Informal controls; Green learning; Green creativity; Green process innovation; Startup; AgTech;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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