Eco-innovation strategy in manufacturing: A systematic review

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the eco-innovation literature involving manufacturing firms and to offer a comprehensive insight on strategic considerations from a manufacturing context. Applying the systematic review methodology, this review involves 134 journal articles published from 2006 to 2020. Using a thematic analysis, this review finds five main topics for manufacturing research: (i) eco-design and engineering, (ii) firm characteristics and performance, (iii) decision-making behaviour and options, (iv) industrial trends and indicators, and (v) energy intensity and efficiency. Eight main targets also serve as eco-innovation strategies for manufacturing practice: (i) industrial clusters and collaborations strategy, (ii) eco-engineering standards and skills strategy, (iii) green knowledge sharing and sourcing strategy, (iv) energy pricing and costing strategy, (v) innovation incentives and investments strategy, (vi) environmental regulations and protection strategy, (vii) energy structures and systems strategy, (viii) competitive and creative design strategy. Guided by these findings and an awareness of internal, external, and bilateral factors, this review proposes a multi-level strategic framework identifying design, organisational, and regional networks as central to the management of manufacturing eco-innovation. Additionally, premised on network and symbiotic framings for manufacturing eco-innovation, this article sets an agenda for future eco-innovation research involving manufacturing firms.

Keywords

• Eco-innovation strategy
• Manufacturing
• Industrial networks
• Sustainability transition
• Social integration