Eco-innovation determinants in manufacturing SMEs from emerging markets: Systematic literature review and challenges

The debate on eco-innovation is a recent and emergent topic between practitioners and in the academy. Especially in developing economies, such as in Brazil, this topic is very incipient mainly in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) context. Hence, the purpose of this study is to identify what are the determinant factors for the successful adoption of eco-innovation in Brazilian SMEs. The findings reveal several similarities/differences and intersections/overlaps resulting in a list of sixteen primary determinants. Results also demonstrated that eco-innovations in SMEs may be enabled by breaking away from the immediatist culture, by the participation of SMEs in cooperation networks, by considering the regulations affecting the sector where the SME operates and the applicable legislation, by investing in R&D of innovative technologies in conjunction with external agents, by qualified professionals planning for and implementing eco-innovation and by reinforcing the financial condition of the SMEs. The practical contribution of this study is a consolidated comprehensive framework of eco-innovation to Brazilian SMEs providing important insights and challenges to academics, policy makers, and practitioners, improving the diffusion of eco-innovative practices. Furthermore, others emerging economies will benefit from the findings of our research.