Sustainability in Innovation and Entrepreneurship : Policies and Practices for a World with Finite Resources

This book provides a richly illustrated study of sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. Specifically, it examines the ways in which governmental policies and practices modify the social conditions necessary to promote innovation in businesses and by so doing impact economic development. Exploring topics such as green innovation, green customer capital, smart cities, green entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility, this book presents some of the most current research and best practices in the field. In today’s global economy, strategies, policies and practices that address the negative effects of human activity on the environment need to be incorporated into the business framework in order for companies to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Around the world, such changes have already resulted in a broad range of products, production methods and technical features that ensure environmental protection. At the same time, the mass media’s communication of a deteriorating earth have motivated a growing number of citizens in both developed and developing nations to modify their consumption habits towards more ecological products. Consequently, an increasing number of companies are reacting to these changes in business and legal frameworks and consumer preferences by investing in new forms of green innovation or “eco-innovation” designed to promote both environmental and corporate sustainability. For example, Hewlett-Packard eliminated lead from its welding process; Wal-Mart reduced the emissions of their suppliers; and Cisco, Dell and IBM are investing in smart grids. This volume showcases pioneering efforts among companies, citizens, and government agencies that are moving from theory to practice by placing sustainability at the core of their development strategies. Front Matter....Pages i-xii The Route Towards Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship: An Overview....Pages 1-9 Fostering a Relationship Learning Context as a Driver of Green Innovation Performance and Green Customer Capital....Pages 11-29 Smart Cities, Innovation and Sustainability: Which Role for Cities in Fostering “Green” Entrepreneurship?....Pages 31-45 How Cultural Beliefs and the Response to Fear Appeals Shape Consumer’s Purchasing Behavior Toward Sustainable Products....Pages 47-62 Sustainable Social Management: The Case of Co-operatives....Pages 63-86 Improving Environmental Management Systems by ISO 9001 in the Spanish Hospitality Sector....Pages 87-101 Social Entrepreneurship and Upgrading in Emerging Economies: The Indian Case of Industree and Its Brand Mother Earth....Pages 103-118 The Relationship Between Revenue and Environmental Responsibility: A Causal Study Using Reputation in the Hotel Industry....Pages 119-136 Green Consumer Segmentation: Managerial and Environmental Implications from the Perspective of Business Strategies and Practices....Pages 137-151 How Strong Might Be a Carbon Tax on Electricity Consumption to Reach Spanish H2020 Targets?....Pages 153-173 Back Matter....Pages 175-178 Antonio Leal-millan, Marta Peris-ortiz, Antonio L. Leal-rodríguez, Editors. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.