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Overcoming Competence Lock-In for the Development of Radical Eco-Innovations: The Case of Biopolymer Technology

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  • Avrath Chadha

Abstract

The plastics industry is trying to avoid the price spiral of fossil fuels by utilizing renewable resources and simultaneously aims to contribute to the fight against climate change. Hence, this industry is in the midst of a hybridization process where it needs to build competencies in the field of radical eco-innovations such as biopolymer technology. However, the extent of required competencies for industry-wide biopolymer technology development and diffusion is not well understood yet. This paper explores and analyzes which competencies the plastics industry applies for the development of biopolymer technology by presenting results of case studies conducted with eight German and Swiss firms. The results suggest that firms build up competencies in inter-firm alliances, independent project houses, technology monitoring cross-functional integration and bootleg research. The findings improve the understanding of the challenges of radical eco-innovations and provide examples how the plastics industry can foster innovative competencies in established R&D processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Avrath Chadha, 2011. "Overcoming Competence Lock-In for the Development of Radical Eco-Innovations: The Case of Biopolymer Technology," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(3), pages 335-350.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:18:y:2011:i:3:p:335-350
    DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2011.561032
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Grazia Cecere & Nicoletta Corrocher & Cédric Gossart & Muge Ozman, 2014. "Lock-in and path dependence: an evolutionary approach to eco-innovations," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 24(5), pages 1037-1065, November.
    2. Rob Lubberink & Vincent Blok & Johan Van Ophem & Onno Omta, 2017. "Lessons for Responsible Innovation in the Business Context: A Systematic Literature Review of Responsible, Social and Sustainable Innovation Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-31, May.
    3. Polzin, Friedemann, 2017. "Mobilizing private finance for low-carbon innovation – A systematic review of barriers and solutions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 525-535.
    4. Jianfei Zhao & Anan Pongtornkulpanich & Wenjin Cheng, 2022. "The Impact of Board Size on Green Innovation in China’s Heavily Polluting Enterprises: The Mediating Role of Innovation Openness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-20, July.
    5. Lisa Melander, 2017. "Achieving Sustainable Development by Collaborating in Green Product Innovation," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(8), pages 1095-1109, December.

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