Functions of intermediaries in eco-innovation

Functions of intermediaries in eco-innovation

Wisdom Kanda

, Jens Clausen

, Olof Hjelm

and Dzamila Bienkowska

1

Linköping University, Sweden

2

Boderstep Institute for Innovation and Sustainability, Germany

*Corresponding author: Email address: wisdom.kanda@liu.se Tel. + 46(0) 13 281 696

Case studies in Sweden and Germany

References

1.Bergek, A., Jacobsson, S., Carlsson, B., Lindmark, S., Rickne, A. (2008). Analyzing the functional dynamics of technological innovation systems: A scheme of analysis. Research policy 37, 407-429.

2. Kanda, W., Pablo del Rio, G.,Hjelm,O.,Bienkowska, D. (2015). A functions of innovations systems approach for analyzing the roles of intermediaries in eco-innovation. Global Cleaner Production Conference, Barcelona- Sitges. November 1-4 2015.

3. Kanda, W., Hjelm, O., Bienkowska, D. (2014). Boosting eco-innovation: The role of public support organizations. In XXV ISPIM Conference on Innovation for sustainable Economy and Society, Dublin, Ireland, June 8-11, 2014.

Analytical approach

Source (Kanda et al.,2015 )

Introduction

Firms developing eco-innovations often face particular challenges such as externalities in the innovation and diffusion process in addition to general challenges such as lack of technical knowledge, time, and finance. Thus, they often need to connect to intermediaries in order to access essential resources. Although previous literature emphasizes the importance of external relationships and resources in eco-innovation, the explicit functions of intermediaries in supporting firm-level eco-innovation is seldom presented (Kanda et al.,2014).

Findings: Eight key functions of intermediaries in eco-innovation

Support Function Activity

1.Forecasting and road mapping Generating a portfolio of potential eco-innovations based on key indicators and finding relevant stakeholders to develop it further.

2.Resource mobilization Provision of financial resources, bridging to financers and expert knowledge, and assistance with preparing financial applications.

3.Networking and partnerships Providing arenas such as breakfast meetings, conferences, seminars for networking and collaboration between firms and other actors regarding eco-innovation.

4.Commercialization Assistance with sales and marketing activities both home and abroad.

5.Technical consulting Providing technical knowledge on energy and material efficiency, and their related project implementation.

6.Information gathering, processing, and spreading

Gathering and disseminating information on eco-innovation through arenas such as seminars, workshops, and newsletters.

7.Sector branding and legitimation Using events and channels such as seminars, workshops, newsletters to create a distinct image for eco-innovation and the environmental technology sector.

8.Prototyping and piloting Providing platforms such as test beds and pilot projects for field testing, measurement, evaluation and demonstration of eco-innovations.

3.

Mapping support functions of intermediaries

4.

Assessing support functions

for eco- innovation

5.

Recommendations for intermediaries and policy makers 1.

Defining the study focus 2.

Mapping key intermediaries

Conclusions

1. Focusing on functions of intermediaries could be more relevant for policy formulating than focusing on intermediary types.

2. Interactive learning is needed between the different types of intermediaries.

3. A proactive approach to intermediation is necessary to trigger radical eco-innovations.

4. Dynamic tailoring is needed with broad framework support combined with specific eco-innovation support.

REGION SCANIA

SWEDEN

NRW (NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA)

LINKÖPING UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING

Intermediaries in this context refer to

organizations that support firms in the eco-

innovation process by acting as an agent or broker between two or

more parties. E.g.

Universities, Incubators, Business development

organizations and Cluster initiatives.

Terminology