Sustainable innovation practices and the degree of innovation of business models in Brazilian industrial companies

Abstract

PurposeThis study has aimed to analyze the relationship between the adoption of sustainable innovation practices and the degree of innovation of business models in Brazilian industrial companies.Design/methodology/approachThe study has been characterized as quantitative and comprised the conduction of a survey with Brazilian industrial companies.FindingsResults have shown that companies with a high degree of innovation in their business models invest more strongly in strategic dimensions of sustainable innovation, which in general involve stakeholders and cross the organization's internal boundaries, requiring proactive attitudes from the company, probably because this type of investment gives them greater competitiveness in their market and also requires a radical modification of their business model.Practical implicationsThis study seeks to present contributions to entrepreneurs and policy makers, in the face of the innovative and sustainable challenges imposed by society and the guidelines for sustainable development in order to reflect on positive impacts on local and global development.Social implicationsComprehending the behavior of industrial companies in Brazil in relation to sustainable innovation and its impact on society contributes to understanding the benefits of adopting a strategic management of sustainable innovation, minimizing negative socio-environmental impacts.Originality/valueBy analyzing the themes of sustainable innovation and business model, the present study may contribute to adopting business behavior that strategically and systemically integrates the objectives of sustainable innovation.