Approaches to sustainability-driven innovation in high-performing Italian firms: A cross-case analysis

Emanuele Pizzurno, LIUC Cattaneo UniversityFollow
Fausto Cammarano, LIUC Cattaneo UniversityFollow

Abstract

This paper investigated the nexus between sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) initiatives and exceptional profitability in high-performing companies. To this aim, employing a multiple comparative case study methodology, we analyzed 10 cases that excel in both return-on-sales (ROS) compared to industry medians and are actively engaged in SOI initiatives with public evidence. The findings of the study are categorized into internal and external factors affecting company performance, shedding light on managerial practices, organizational culture, and industry-specific variables. From a managerial standpoint, this paper offers valuable insights for managers seeking to balance between sustainable practices, encompassing multiple social and environmental aspects of corporate initiatives, while optimizing economic performance. The paper’s originality lies in its contribution to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the profitability of SOI and their implications for company management. This exploratory research seeks to expand the knowledge of the relationship between SOI and financial performance (FP), providing a foundation for future research in this domain.

Keywords

profitability, manufacturing industry, R&D, innovation management, corporate sustainability

Chinese Abstract

意大利高绩效企业可持续发展驱动创新的方法: 跨案例分析

本文分析了高绩效企业以可持续发展为导向的创新(SOI)的计划与其超常盈利能力之间的关系。通过使用多重比较案例研究方法,此文分析了十个案例。这些案例均有公开证据显示其销售回报率(ROS)高于行业中位数,且有积极参与SOI计划。研究结果区分了影响公司业绩的内部和外部因素,并阐明管理实践、组织文化和行业特定变量。本文从管理角度,为管理者提供了有益的见解,帮助他们在优化经济绩效的同时平衡实践可持续发展—包括企业计划内的各种社会和环境方面。本文的独特之处在于它可以帮助我们更好地理解影响SOI盈利能力的因素及其对企业管理的影响。这项探索性研究的目的是提高我们对SOI与财务绩效(FP)之间的关系的理解,并为该领域的未来研究奠定基础。

关键词: 盈利能力、制造业、研发、创新管理、企业可持续性

ORCID Identifiers

Emanuele Pizzurno: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3860-6388

Fausto Cammarano: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1767-6488

DOI

10.5038/2640-6489.9.1.1268

Recommended Citation

Pizzurno, E., & Cammarano, F. (2024). Approaches to sustainability-driven innovation in high-performing Italian firms: A cross-case analysis. Journal of Global Business Insights, 9(1), 42-60. https://www.doi.org/10.5038/2640-6489.9.1.1268