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Innovation, technology and sustainable transition: Insights from Italian SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Massimiliano Mazzanti

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

  • Alessandro Montanaro

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

  • Fabiola Onofrio

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

  • Emy Zecca

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

Abstract

This work investigates sustainability-oriented innovation among Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the broader context of the European twin transition toward sustainability and digitalization. Based on survey data from 740 manufacturing firms, it analyses the diffusion of research and development activities, digital technologies, and circular economy practices across firm sizes and regions. The results reveal a persistent dualism: medium and large firms, mostly located in northern regions, show higher levels of innovation and digital adoption, while smaller firms remain limited by financial and structural constraints. Circular innovation largely focuses on efficiency measures, whereas advanced strategies such as eco-design remain rare. Digitalization acts as both a driver and an enabler of sustainable transformation but progresses unevenly across territories.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimiliano Mazzanti & Alessandro Montanaro & Fabiola Onofrio & Emy Zecca, 2025. "Innovation, technology and sustainable transition: Insights from Italian SMEs," SEEDS Working Papers 1225, SEEDS, Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies, revised Dec 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:srt:wpaper:1225
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Andrea Pronti & Emy Zecca & Davide Antonioli, 2024. "Micro is beautiful. Adoption of eco‐innovations in micro‐firms," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 1341-1368, February.
    3. Mazzanti, Massimiliano & Zoboli, Roberto, 2009. "Environmental efficiency and labour productivity: Trade-off or joint dynamics? A theoretical investigation and empirical evidence from Italy using NAMEA," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 68(4), pages 1182-1194, February.
    4. Markard, Jochen & Raven, Rob & Truffer, Bernhard, 2012. "Sustainability transitions: An emerging field of research and its prospects," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 955-967.
    5. Geels, Frank W., 2002. "Technological transitions as evolutionary reconfiguration processes: a multi-level perspective and a case-study," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(8-9), pages 1257-1274, December.
    6. Cainelli, Giulio & Mazzanti, Massimiliano, 2013. "Environmental innovations in services: Manufacturing–services integration and policy transmissions," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(9), pages 1595-1604.
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