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Eco-Innovation and Firm Performance: The Role of Circular Economy Investments and Human Capital among SMEs in Emilia-Romagna

Author

Listed:
  • Giulia Fontanelli

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara)

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between eco-innovation and firm performance among SMEs operating in Emilia-Romagna using data from the ECOSISTER Project, Spoke 5 – Circular Economy (C.E.) and Blue Economy. Particular attention is devoted to the role of C.E. Investment Intensity and C.E. Human Capital (HC) as complementary dimensions of sustainability-oriented transformation. The findings suggest that firms progressively integrate eco-innovation, C.E. investments, and specialised HC within their development strategies, highlighting their relevance for competitiveness and economic performance. The study contributes to the literature on innovation, sustainability, and C.E. transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulia Fontanelli, 2026. "Eco-Innovation and Firm Performance: The Role of Circular Economy Investments and Human Capital among SMEs in Emilia-Romagna," SEEDS Working Papers 1126, SEEDS, Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies, revised Jun 2026.
    • Handle: RePEc:srt:wpaper:1126
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • 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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