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Sustainability
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Cooperation and Internationalization Networks for the Promotion of Corporate Sustainability
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Cooperation and Internationalization Networks for the Promotion of Corporate Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 March 2023) | Viewed by 15284

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anderson Rei Galvão

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. CETRAD Research Center, 5000 Vila Real, Portugal
2. ESTG, Polytechnic of Porto, 4610 Felgueiras, Portugal
Interests: entrepreneurship; innovation; entrepreneurial education; regional development; entrepreneurial university; sustainability; international business
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Carla Mascarenhas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CETRAD Research Center, 5000 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: innovation; university–industry collaboration; RIS3—research and innovation strategy for smart specialization; smart specialization strategy; entrepreneurship; sustainability; innovation sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Carla Susana Marques

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Economics Sociology and Management, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro & CETRAD Research Center, 5000 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: innovation; entrepreneurship and regional development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Vítor Braga

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CIICESI, ESTG, Polytechnic of Porto, 4610 Felgueiras, Portugal
Interests: business co-operation; internationalisation processes; family business; innovation; entrepreneurship
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will include a selection of articles addressing cooperation networks aimed at internationalization and sustainability. In our increasingly globalized, complex and competitive world, internationalization and cooperation networks play a key role in the sustainability of both enterprises and countries. The internationalization process is difficult and complex and it generally requires a significant amount of resources (e.g., financial, human, knowledge, innovation, experience, etc.). Cooperation networks may represent a promising alternative to overcome the lack of size and resources, providing the opportunity to achieve more sustainable growth. As well as strategic alliances, this Special Issue is focused on less formal ways of cooperation. In addition to internationalization processes, we encourage submissions from different disciplines, exploring any other forms of cooperation that result in an increase in business competitiveness and offer the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial sustainability.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • The role of internationalization and/or cooperation networks in the sustainability of enterprises;
  • Cooperation arrangements for internationalization;
  • Cooperation networks within and among entrepreneurial ventures; 
  • Cross-sectoral cooperation networks;
  • Networking and regional innovation systems;
  • Internationalization or cooperation networks in startups/spin-offs;
  • Policies and strategies for internationalization;
  • Motivations and barriers/obstacles for internationalization;
  • Actions, actors, strategies and growth trajectories in international entrepreneurship;
  • Regional/national internationalization and sustainability;
  • Sustainability-oriented innovation.

Dr. Anderson Galvão
Dr. Carla Mascarenhas
Prof. Carla Susana Marques
Dr. Vítor Braga
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cooperation networks
  • internationalization
  • sustainability

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

32 pages, 1237 KiB  
Article
Dancing with Giants: A Unified Framework for Cooperation Networks, Speed of Internationalisation, and Performance
by Telma Mendes, Carina Silva and Alexandra Braga
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2003; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15032003 - 20 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1469
Abstract
This study aims to explore whether the speed of internationalisation—measured by the change in international scale and the change in international scope—can mediate the relationship between network clustering (cooperation networks) and clustered firms’ performance. A quantitative methodology was used to accomplish this purpose, [...] Read more.
This study aims to explore whether the speed of internationalisation—measured by the change in international scale and the change in international scope—can mediate the relationship between network clustering (cooperation networks) and clustered firms’ performance. A quantitative methodology was used to accomplish this purpose, and the research model was tested using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Based on a sample of 1491 Portuguese firms, this paper showed that network clustering directly and positively impacts clustered firms’ performance. When considering the effect of the speed of internationalisation, the study revealed that network clustering also has an indirect, mediated impact on firms’ performance, through the change in international scope (geographical diversification). Conversely, when accounting for the mediation of the change in international scale (degree of internationalisation), the results confirmed that this dimension of speed does not mediate the relationship between network clustering and firms’ performance. This evidence, therefore, stresses the role of geographical diversification in shaping how well the clustered firms perform based on the networks established through industrial clusters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperation and Internationalization Networks for the Promotion of Corporate Sustainability)
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24 pages, 1244 KiB  
Article
Employees Perceptions about Corporate Social Responsibility—Understanding CSR and Job Engagement through Meaningfulness, Bottom-Up Approach and Calling Orientation
by Sara Cunha, Teresa Proença and Marisa R. Ferreira
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14606; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142114606 - 07 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3113
Abstract
This article analyses the effect of employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on job engagement, and we measure meaningfulness experienced and the role of cross-level sensemaking factors, such as the bottom-up approach and calling orientation. Drawing on qualitative data, collected among workers [...] Read more.
This article analyses the effect of employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on job engagement, and we measure meaningfulness experienced and the role of cross-level sensemaking factors, such as the bottom-up approach and calling orientation. Drawing on qualitative data, collected among workers that had CSR implemented in their companies, our findings suggest that both calling orientation and meaningfulness influence the positive impact of the CSR perceptions on job engagement through sequential mediation. The calling orientation has an important role in this relationship because meaningfulness alone does not influence the relationship between CSR and job engagement. Additionally, employees’ perceptions of CSR positively influence job engagement. Furthermore, our research indicates that the meaningfulness experienced by workers increases in the presence of a bottom-up approach in what concerns the definition and implementation of CSR actions of the company. Overall, this research expands our understanding of how people find meaningfulness through individual experiences of CSR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperation and Internationalization Networks for the Promotion of Corporate Sustainability)
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21 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
Sustainability-Oriented Innovation Foresight in International New Technology Based Firms
by Aidin Salamzadeh, Morteza Hadizadeh, Niloofar Rastgoo, Md. Mizanur Rahman and Soodabeh Radfard
Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13501; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142013501 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3835
Abstract
Rapid technological advances give rise to the development of New Technology-Based Firms (NTBFs) which are focused on technology-based business models. One of the concerns is the changing pace of technology adoption and its impact on shortening the life cycle of goods and services [...] Read more.
Rapid technological advances give rise to the development of New Technology-Based Firms (NTBFs) which are focused on technology-based business models. One of the concerns is the changing pace of technology adoption and its impact on shortening the life cycle of goods and services based on technology. Technology tends to create more integration among communities, businesses, goods, and services. This integration can be seen in the substantial increase of firms, especially NTBFs, striving to improve international relations. In this regard, addressing the sustainability dimensions in light of technological change is of universal interest. Some studies highlight the role of technology in terms of its environmental impacts, whereas others describe technology as the main driving force of businesses towards innovation, which can lead to sustainability. This paper aims to examine international NTBFs to determine the factors, key drivers, and uncertainties impacting sustainability-oriented innovations concerning their encounter with technology and ultimately plan future scenarios for international NTBFs based on sustainability-oriented innovations. The description of the scenarios shows the importance of innovation development in digital technologies and the expansion of international relations, which is realized by using digital platforms. In addition to accelerating knowledge and innovation development to gain more key partners, we would observe target market expansion, cost reduction, and sustainability growth for international NTBFs. Identifying drivers and uncertainties and the future-oriented approach of this research provide insight to International NTBFs owners into realizing sustainability-oriented innovation by increasing their awareness of the opportunities and interventions to build capacity at the conceptualization and project management levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperation and Internationalization Networks for the Promotion of Corporate Sustainability)
18 pages, 937 KiB  
Article
Sustainable International Expansion via Cooperation Networks in the Manufacturing Industries
by Anderson Rei Galvão, Carla Mascarenhas, Carla Susana Marques, Vitor Braga, Luis Moreira, Pedro Ferreira and Tiago Castro
Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 14013; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132414013 - 19 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3206
Abstract
For the manufacturing industry in particular, networks lead to an increasing interaction between different actors representing a complementary response to insecurity arising from internationalization subjects. The aim of this study is to understand how cooperation networks contribute to the international sustainability of the [...] Read more.
For the manufacturing industry in particular, networks lead to an increasing interaction between different actors representing a complementary response to insecurity arising from internationalization subjects. The aim of this study is to understand how cooperation networks contribute to the international sustainability of the manufacturing industry. To carry out this study, a qualitative methodology was chosen through semi-structured interviews with eight companies in the manufacturing sector from different areas. The interviews were handled with NVIVO software support. Regarding the findings, it is unanimous that cooperation networks are essential for the internationalization of the manufacturing industry. In general, the companies that participated in the study believe that the networks helped to reduce costs and to have access to certain resources that were essential for the success of internationalization. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the size of the country and the low purchasing power were some of the substantial factors that triggered the process of searching for new markets. It also became evident that there are barriers that need to be taken into account at the time of internationalization and that cooperation with other companies can help to overcome them. This study provides empirical evidence on the importance of cooperation networks for the internationalization of companies in the manufacturing industry. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the main motivations, strategies and barriers for these companies to internationalize. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperation and Internationalization Networks for the Promotion of Corporate Sustainability)
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16 pages, 1124 KiB  
Article
Motivations and Barriers for the Sustainable Internationalization of the Portuguese Textile Sector
by Anderson Rei Galvão, Carla Susana Marques, Carla Mascarenhas, Vitor Braga and Rita Pereira
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13147; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132313147 - 27 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2574
Abstract
This study aims to analyse the importance of internationalization for the sustainability of companies in the textile sector, as well as to identify the main motivations and barriers to internationalization. For the development of the study, a qualitative methodology was used through interviews [...] Read more.
This study aims to analyse the importance of internationalization for the sustainability of companies in the textile sector, as well as to identify the main motivations and barriers to internationalization. For the development of the study, a qualitative methodology was used through interviews with six Portuguese companies in the textile sector. The collected information was submitted to a content analysis, through data coding with NVIVO 11.0 software. The results obtained show the main motivations for internationalization, the criteria used for choosing the countries to internationalize, the advantages of internationalization and the external and internal barriers. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of internationalization, the barriers that companies in the textile sector face and what solutions they find to overcome some of these same barriers. In addition, the results will help policy makers define policies to support internationalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cooperation and Internationalization Networks for the Promotion of Corporate Sustainability)
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