Eco-innovation determinants in manufacturing SMEs: Systematic review and research directions

The debate on eco-innovation, although recent, is becoming increasingly more relevant in the practical context of business and academic world. The discussion on eco-innovation in the context of manufacturing SMEs is in a less developed stage and deserves attention. Thus, the main objective of this research was to identify, through a systematic review covering the last twenty-four years, the determinants of eco-innovation in manufacturing SMEs, exploring the relationship among them. The study unveils twenty-three determinants, which were classified in seven categories. The critical determinants were also identified, comprising: Governmental policy supporting eco-innovation, Availability of resources (people, technology, knowledge), Perception of the strategic relevance of eco-innovation, Technological advisory oriented to environment, Product and process eco-innovation oriented methods, Cooperation and partnership within supply networks, among others. A systemic model representing the relationship among the determinants and strategic alternatives to overcome some eco-innovation barriers for manufacturing SMEs are also presented and discussed.