Enablers of green innovation in the micro-firm—perspectives from Ireland and Canada. (23rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelliher, Felicity; Mellett, Sinead; Harrington, Denis
• Is Part Of: Journal of small business and entrepreneurship. Volume 34:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2020-07-23
• Subjects: Green innovation -- micro-firms -- resource based view -- entrepreneurship -- enterprise; Innovation verte -- microentreprises -- vision basée sur les ressources -- entrepreneuriat -- entreprise; Small business -- Periodicals; Small business -- Canada -- Periodicals; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; Petites et moyennes entreprises -- Périodiques; Petites et moyennes entreprises -- Canada -- Périodiques; Entrepreneurs (Économie politique) -- Périodiques; 658.022
• DOI: 10.1080/08276331.2020.1789826
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0827-6331

Abstract

Abstract: This research explores the enablers of green innovation in the micro-firm, applying a resource based view. The research poses the question, how are resources used to enable green innovation in a micro-firm? The authors apply a cross-country multi-case method, studying micro-firms in Ireland and Canada over a twelve month period. Results show that proactive use of green innovation enablers is influenced by; the owner/manager (O/M)'s natural environmental orientation and openness to engage with green innovation, their ability to identify, pool and bundle internal and external resources, their capacity to understand and implement green regulations and their ability to lever green potential for socio-economic gain. The findings show that engagement with both internal and external resource pools allow the O/M greater capacity to test new ideas, comprehend regulations and identify potential supports in pursuit of green innovation within the micro-firm. This study is important for a number of reasons. It explores green innovation resources within and outside the organisation and identifies the enablers of green innovation in micro-firms that could contribute to sustainable business goals.