Taxonomy and dimensions of eco-innovation from a resource-based perspective

Abstract

The need for a sustainability transition is undisputed. Ecological innovation (eco-innovation) is a possible mechanism with which to reach a fully sustainable economy and society. Several types of eco-innovation exist, that is, end-of-pipe, efficiency or effectiveness related. While all contribute to the sustainability transition, they have different impacts, ranging from local optimization to systemic redesign, that is, for the circular economy. In that sense, past research has brought forward many definitions and conceptualizations. The aim of this chapter is to go a step further and contribute to a universal taxonomy by characterizing eco-innovations departing from the resource-based view of the firm. Therefore, four dimensions of eco-innovations are contrasted against six groups of firm resources. It is found that, depending on eco-innovation types and dimensions, the respective antecedents are different, that is, certain resources facilitate local optimization while systemic eco-innovations are the result of cooperation (joint efforts and resource bases) of several innovators. This chapter provides a precise conceptualization of the interaction between firm resources and eco-innovations.