Title: Drivers of eco-innovation: empirical evidence from Slovenia

Authors: Jana Hojnik; Mitja Ruzzier; Boštjan Antončič

Addresses: Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Cankarjeva 5, 6000 Koper, Slovenia ' Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Cankarjeva 5, 6000 Koper, Slovenia ' Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva ploščad 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract: This paper uses a regression analysis to explore the determinants of eco-innovation, based on a sample of 80 Slovenian companies. The findings of this study are two-fold. First, the determinants of eco-innovation vary depending on the type of eco-innovation (product, process or organisational). The results reveal that customer demand and competitive pressure drive product eco-innovation, while managerial environmental concern, competitive intensity and competitive pressure spur process eco-innovation, and only competitive pressure exerted effect on organisational eco-innovation. Second, the findings indicate that competitive pressure is a common driver of all three eco-innovation types (product, process and organisational). Therefore, the results lead to the conclusion that different factors spur different eco-innovation types, while competitive pressure works as a common driver of all three eco-innovation types. Based on the results, we can infer that implementation of eco-innovations is becoming a relevant strategy for companies to establish a green image and pursue sustainability in this intense competitive environment.

Keywords: product eco-innovation; process eco-innovation; organisational eco-innovation; drivers; command-and-control instrument; economic incentive instrument; customer demand; managerial environmental concern; expected benefits; competitive intensity; competitive pressure; Slovenia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2017.085688

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2017 Vol.21 No.4/5, pp.422 - 440

Received: 16 Sep 2015
Accepted: 07 Aug 2016

Published online: 07 Aug 2017 *

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