IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/wly/sustdv/v33y2025i3p4333-4347.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Public–Private Networks for Green Innovation: Insights From an Energy Sector Supply‐Chain Partnership

Author

Listed:
  • Jesús J. Cambra‐Fierro
  • Mª. Eugenia López‐Pérez
  • Lourdes Pérez
  • Macarena Tejada‐Tejada

Abstract

This paper examines the structure, dynamics, and outcomes of an innovative, sustainable Research & Development (R&D) project within an energy supply network. Using data from the La Graciosa Project, industry experience, media sources, and interviews with key participants, the study highlights how private firms, R&D institutions, and public administrations can effectively collaborate in green innovation initiatives through public–private networks. Key findings emphasize (i) the need for alignment with external conditions, supported by trust and incentives; (ii) the importance of a shared vision to unify diverse objectives; (iii) the value of clear contracts defining stakeholder roles and the role of neutral mediators in resolving conflicts; (iv) the potential for all partners to gain from collaborative efforts, even with varying benefits; (v) the importance of innovative thinking to advance sustainability goals; and (vi) the inclusion consumer, societal and natural well‐being. These insights provide practical guidance for managers to navigate changes in energy supply chains, including shifts in traditional producer–consumer relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Jesús J. Cambra‐Fierro & Mª. Eugenia López‐Pérez & Lourdes Pérez & Macarena Tejada‐Tejada, 2025. "Public–Private Networks for Green Innovation: Insights From an Energy Sector Supply‐Chain Partnership," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(3), pages 4333-4347, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:3:p:4333-4347
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3340
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3340
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1002/sd.3340?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vincenzo Basile & Francesca Loia & Nunzia Capobianco & Roberto Vona, 2023. "An ecosystems perspective on the reconversion of offshore platforms: Towards a multi‐level governance," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(4), pages 1615-1631, July.
    2. Michael Lubatkin & Zeki Simsek & Yan Ling & John F. Veiga, 2006. "Ambidexterity and Performance in Small-to Medium-Sized Firms : The Pivotal Role of Top Management Team Behavioral Integration," Post-Print hal-02311781, HAL.
    3. Avin Shekhar Chourasia & Narendra N. Dalei & Karunakar Jha, 2023. "Evaluating public–private partnership role on the sustainability of airports in India," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(5), pages 3595-3608, October.
    4. Fusillo, Fabrizio, 2023. "Green Technologies and diversity in the knowledge search and output phases: Evidence from European Patents," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(4).
    5. Hao‐Chang Yang & Gen‐Fu Feng & Qiang Gong & Chun‐Ping Chang, 2023. "The impact of political competition on green innovation: A new insight into sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(5), pages 3692-3708, October.
    6. Li Liu & Lei Du & Xing Liu, 2023. "Lessons from failure: Pollution blacklisting and firm's green innovation," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(1), pages 483-491, February.
    7. Jack A. Nickerson & Todd R. Zenger, 2004. "A Knowledge-Based Theory of the Firm—The Problem-Solving Perspective," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 15(6), pages 617-632, December.
    8. Xing, Yijun & Liu, Yipeng, 2023. "Integrating product-service innovation into green supply chain management from a life cycle perspective: A systematic review and future research directions," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Kim, Sang-Joon & Bae, John & Oh, Hannah, 2019. "Financing strategically: The moderation effect of marketing activities on the bifurcated relationship between debt level and firm valuation of small and medium enterprises," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 663-681.
    2. Mammassis, Constantinos S. & Kostopoulos, Konstantinos C., 2019. "CEO goal orientations, environmental dynamism and organizational ambidexterity: An investigation in SMEs," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 37(5), pages 577-588.
    3. Xin Liu & Lin Zhang & Abhinav Gupta & Xiaoming Zheng & Changqi Wu, 2022. "Upper echelons and intra‐organizational learning: How executive narcissism affects knowledge transfer among business units," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(11), pages 2351-2381, November.
    4. Francesco Ciampi & Alessandro Giannozzi & Giacomo Marzi & Edward I. Altman, 2021. "Rethinking SME default prediction: a systematic literature review and future perspectives," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 126(3), pages 2141-2188, March.
    5. Rogerio S. Victer, 2020. "Connectivity knowledge and the degree of structural formalization: a contribution to a contingency theory of organizational capability," Journal of Organization Design, Springer;Organizational Design Community, vol. 9(1), pages 1-22, December.
    6. Gayoung Kim & Woo Jin Lee, 2021. "The Venture Firm’s Ambidexterity: Do Transformational Leaders Boost Organizational Learning for Venture Growth?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-15, July.
    7. Joon Mahn Lee & Rahul Kapoor, 2017. "Complementarities and Coordination: Implications for Governance Mode and Performance of Multiproduct Firms," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 28(5), pages 931-946, October.
    8. Jan Ossenbrink & Joern Hoppmann & Volker H. Hoffmann, 2019. "Hybrid Ambidexterity: How the Environment Shapes Incumbents’ Use of Structural and Contextual Approaches," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 30(6), pages 1319-1348, November.
    9. Eresia-Eke CE & Makore S, 2016. "Responsiveness to Knowledge and Organisational Performance of Listed-Companies in the Construction Sector," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 8(5), pages 82-90.
    10. Li, Fei & Zhang, Nana, 2025. "Digital transformation, innovation investment and quality," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    11. Frank T. Rothaermel & Maria Tereza Alexandre, 2009. "Ambidexterity in Technology Sourcing: The Moderating Role of Absorptive Capacity," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(4), pages 759-780, August.
    12. Coda Zabetta, Massimiliano & Fusillo, Fabrizio & Quatraro, Francesco & Scandura, Alessandra, 2025. "Knowledge brokers for Circular Bioeconomy: Evidence from European regions," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis LEI & BRICK - Laboratory of Economics of Innovation "Franco Momigliano", Bureau of Research in Innovation, Complexity and Knowledge, Collegio 202505, University of Turin.
    13. Schnellbaecher, Benedikt & Diefenbach, Ulf & Millemann, Jan, 2015. "Putting the Individual in Ambidexterity – Identifying Activities to Achieve Organisational Ambidexterity and Long-Term Survival," Proceedings of the ENTRENOVA - ENTerprise REsearch InNOVAtion Conference (2015), Kotor, Montengero, in: Proceedings of the ENTRENOVA - ENTerprise REsearch InNOVAtion Conference, Kotor, Montengero, 10-11 September 2015, pages 57-63, IRENET - Society for Advancing Innovation and Research in Economy, Zagreb.
    14. Jiewei Zu & Jianan Wang & Jun Ma, 2022. "Ambidexterity in a Rapidly Changing Environment of China: Top Management Team Decision Making and Sustained Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, March.
    15. Taalbi, Josef, 2017. "What drives innovation? Evidence from economic history," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(8), pages 1437-1453.
    16. Mayer-Haug, Katrin & Read, Stuart & Brinckmann, Jan & Dew, Nicholas & Grichnik, Dietmar, 2013. "Entrepreneurial talent and venture performance: A meta-analytic investigation of SMEs," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(6), pages 1251-1273.
    17. Seong Hun Kim & Yae Rim Yang, 2025. "The Effect of Digital Quality on Customer Satisfaction and Brand Loyalty Under Environmental Uncertainty: Evidence from the Banking Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-44, April.
    18. Li Xiong, 2022. "Improvise to win: the relationship between entrepreneurial improvisation and start-up competitive advantage," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 21(2), pages 184-204, April.
    19. Marta Giovannetti, 2023. "Sales ambidexterity and performance: a behavioral paradigm through the Career Stage framework," Italian Journal of Marketing, Springer, vol. 2023(4), pages 471-501, December.
    20. Devarakonda, S.V. & Goossen, Martin & Mulotte, Louis, 2024. "The allocation of resource control within the corporate structure: Evidence from post-acquisition patent reassignments," Other publications TiSEM 4e9af8a0-0e1c-4780-a24e-6, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:3:p:4333-4347. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1099-1719 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.