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The front-end of eco-innovation for eco-innovative small and medium sized companies


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Authors

Bocken, NMP 
Farracho, M 
Bosworth, R 
Kemp, R 

Abstract

This paper studies the Front End of Eco-Innovation (FEEI), the initial phase of the eco-innovation process. Incorporating environmental concerns at the front-end of innovation is important, as product parameters are still flexible. This paper investigates the FEEI for 42 small and medium sized eco-innovators in the Netherlands by using a survey. The results show that SMEs embrace informal, systematic, and open innovation approaches at the FEEI. Teams appear to be multidisciplinary, and creativity and environmental knowledge are essential. Experimentation played a significant role at the FEEI. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and implications for managers.

Description

Keywords

Fuzzy front-end, Eco-innovation, Eco-design, New product development, Sustainability

Journal Title

Journal of Engineering and Technology Management - JET-M

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0923-4748
1879-1719

Volume Title

31

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/I033351/1)