How does the implementation of eco-innovation goals impact on open innovation? An empirical study of Spanish firms

Resumen

Our objective is to examine whether the formulation of eco-innovative objectives impacts on the open innovation strategy. Specifically, we analyse the influence on the breadth and depth of knowledge sources. This paper is framed in the literature on open eco-innovation. Open innovation has been considered as an idiosyncratic driver of eco-innovation. However, we follow the strategic management process to analyze how the orientation of innovative activity towards environmental goals can determine a firm's open innovation strategy. We examine the influence of eco-innovation objectives on the breadth and depth of knowledge sources and compare the results with firms that formulate non-eco-innovation objectives. Additionally, we analyze the open innovation strategy adopted by firms that start to formulate eco-innovation objectives. Using data from the Community Innovation Survey of Spanish firms (PITEC), we construct panel data from 2008 to 2016. The results show that the formulation of eco-innovation objectives positively influences the open innovation strategy of the firm, both in terms of breadth and depth of knowledge sources. This is in contrast to the implementation of non-eco-innovation objectives, which presents a negative relationship. Moreover, our analysis confirms that the open innovation strategy is reinforced in those companies that start to formulate eco-innovation objectives.