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Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2017) | Viewed by 85683

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Barbara Aquilani

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Department of Enterprise and Engineering, Society, and Management (DEIM)—University of ‘Tuscia’ of Viterbo 47, Via del Paradiso, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: value co-creation; open innovation; sustainability; Industry 4.0; business strategy and management; marketing
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Assoc. Prof. Abbate Tindara

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Department of Economics—University of Messina 75, Via dei Verdi, 98122, Italy
Interests: innovation, open innovation, innovation intermediaries and platforms, smart tourism, territorial marketing
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Dr. Cecilia Silvestri

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University of “Tuscia” of Viterbo, Department of Economics and Management (DEIM), Via del Paradiso, 47, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: quality of goods, products and services; developing studies and research on the quality according to the approaches of “Total Quality Management” and standards “ISO 9000”; relationship between quality and consumers, with particular reference to satisfaction and loyalty; quality, innovation, and technology transfer, with particular attention to the role of technological innovation for sustainability; circular economy and sustainability
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Prof. Dr. Alfonso Vargas-Sánchez

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Management and Marketing Department, Faculty of Business Studies and Tourism, University of Huelva, Plaza de la Merced, 11, Huelva, 21002, Spain
Interests: strategic management; circular economy; smart destinations; tourism management; halal tourism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to collect theoretical and empirical studies that contribute to develop a better understanding of Social Innovation and value co-creation, taking into account the growing pressures and emerging opportunities in the ‘sustainability’ agenda.

Social innovation is more oriented to find different answers to social problems by identifying and delivering novel services that improve the social quality of life, and by identifying and implementing new competencies and new forms of participation, collaboration, and relationships among individuals and organizations to produce solutions. In fact, within this innovation ecosystem, several actors (such as citizens, government, foundations, firms, social organizations, universities, etc.) are intensely involved in the social innovation, using different open forms of collaboration that are good ways to co-create and co-develop ideas and knowledge in order to define sustainable solutions, to respond social challenges, and also to promote changes in social systems. In this perspective, firms need to manage these types of innovation projects/activities, developing and realizing strategies within an evident paradox: Social innovation is not about maximizing economic value but social value, and this might contrast with traditional practices. Additionally, in relation to social innovation activities, the development of products and services mainly contemplate a process of exchanging ideas and value among a large number of actors that are more oriented to assume an active role in collaborative activities and networks in which they can concretely contribute to solve complex social problems.

Moreover, even if cooperation and exchange of ideas are characteristics of social innovation, these features are also fundamental principles of quality approaches, such as TQM or ISO 9001, where principles as “customer focus”, “involvement of people”, and “mutually beneficial supplier relationships” play a pivotal role. Therefore, it can be said that quality and innovation are two necessary pillars in order to achieve lasting competitive advantages to be understood as "sustainable development" for firms.

This Special Issue intends to encourage novel theorizing and research able to enrich our knowledge about relationships among strategy, social innovation, quality approach, value co-creation and sustainability. The purpose is to examine the relevant role of social innovation and value co-creation in defining new activities and practices able to lead to common economic, social and environmental objectives.

Prof. Barbara Aquilani
Dr. Tindara Abbate
Dr. Cecilia Silvestri
Prof. Alfonso Vargas Sanchez

Keywords

Social Innovation
value co-creation
sustainability
ecosystems
open collaborative networks
quality approach

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

28 pages, 2532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework Based on Sustainability, Open Innovation, and Value Cocreation Paradigms—A Case in an Italian Maritime Cluster

by Daniela Rupo, Mirko Perano, Giovanna Centorrino and Alfonso Vargas-Sanchez

Sustainability 2018, 10(3), 729; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10030729 - 07 Mar 2018

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6886

Abstract

The paper deals with a case study in an Italian maritime cluster seen through a multiple paradigms framework, based on Sustainability (SUS), Open Innovation (OI), and Value Co-creation (VCc). The proposed theoretical framework helps to interpret a true phenomenon consisting of the design of a new product with a prototype created in a network of multiple actors. The approach adopted stems in part from recent writings in qualitative research methodology and is quite apt in this context considering the qualitative, confirmatory nature of this work. The prototype named “TESEO I” was realized through open innovation aimed at sustainability, not only directed at environmental aspects but synergistically with value cocreation, which emerged from interaction among the actors, while also including social and economic aspects. The work concludes with a discussion of theoretical implications related to the proposed framework and the results that emerged from the case study, with both referring to sustainability, open innovation, and value cocreation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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15 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Business Idea Fit Affects Sustainability and Creates Opportunities for Value Co-Creation in Nascent Firms

by Gian Luca Casali, Mirko Perano, Andrea Moretta Tartaglione and Roxanne Zolin

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 189; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10010189 - 14 Jan 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6897

Abstract

A well-defined business idea is essential for nascent business sustainability in the future. The business idea must fit firm knowledge and resources to a profitable business opportunity. This work adopts the framework of value co-creation, strongly related to the service-dominant logic paradigm. We ask how does business idea fit affect new venture sustainability and create opportunities for value co-creation. We propose that a business idea that lacks fit is less sustainable, but it could create opportunities for value co-creation. This study develops and validates an empirically grounded taxonomy of business idea fit based on 729 Australian nascent firms using quantitative data generated from the results of a large study called CAUSEE (Comprehensive Australian Study of Entrepreneurial Emergence). A cluster analysis is used to identify distinct patterns of business idea fit. The empirical taxonomy developed in this study found four distinct clusters of firms, which were distinguished by the fit of their new business idea to knowledge, resources and market profitability: very good fit, low knowledge fit, low profit fit and low fit. Results show how these different patterns of fit create opportunities for value co-creation to create business future sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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24 pages, 1289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Innovation in Smart Tourism Ecosystems: How Technology and Institutions Shape Sustainable Value Co-Creation

by Francesco Polese, Antonio Botti, Mara Grimaldi, Antonella Monda and Massimiliano Vesci

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 140; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10010140 - 09 Jan 2018

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 11677

Abstract

In the service era, markets are reconceptualized as systems of actors interconnected through networked relationships based on resources exchange and producing value co-creation. Two of the main contemporary service research theories, Service-dominant logic and Service science, propose different organizational layouts for producing and harmonizing value co-creation: Service ecosystems and smart service systems. However, these two models show some limitations. So, this work aims at drawing an integrated model, the so called Smart service ecosystem that can be applied to hypercompetitive and experience-based sectors. The model was tested in the tourism sector by using a case study methodology. Ten interviews were administered to key informants to analyze their perception about the main dimensions of the smart service ecosystems. By adopting a holistic view, the results obtained can allow the elaboration of a framework which pinpoints: (1) the main stakeholder groups (actors); (2) the kind of resources exchanged (resource integration); (3) the tools employed (technology); (4) the institution exchange among users (institutions). Applying the model obtained to the tourism sector this work explores the main element-steps for managing and optimizing value co-creation and sustainability in the long run and thus for transitioning from innovation to social innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Social Innovation Contribute to Sustainability? The Case of Italian Innovative Start-Ups

by Michela Piccarozzi

Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2376; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9122376 - 19 Dec 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7811

Abstract

Start-ups, among other enterprises, play a major role in the development and/or commercialization of new technologies and the development of national economies, given that firms are the innovation locus for an entire society. In Italy, a recent regulatory intervention has focused on start-ups creating a framework where innovative start-ups are defined and regulated. Among innovative start-ups, those with a social vocation are of particular interest, since they are understudied in the literature. Indeed, the aim of this paper is twofold: to analyze the relationship between social innovation and sustainability in the latter businesses, and try to understand how sustainability could be fostered through them. Italian cases of innovative start-ups will be studied through content analysis applied to the Social Impact Assessment Document provided by firms. Results show that the Social Impact Assessment Document provided by innovative start-ups explicitly pays attention to social innovation and sustainability in different ways. However, the document does not show the link between social innovation and sustainability. Nonetheless, going through these documents, the link between social innovation and the three aspects of sustainability (economic, social and environmental) clearly emerge and therefore could be better managed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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1580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Participation, Natural Resource Management and the Creation of Innovative Tourism Products: Evidence from Italian Networks of Reserves in the Alps

by Umberto Martini, Federica Buffa and Sandra Notaro

Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2314; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9122314 - 13 Dec 2017

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7472

Abstract

The paper analyses value co-creation and social innovation focusing on a new approach to the management of Natura 2000 areas: the Networks of Reserves (NoRs). NoRs have been set up in Trentino (an Italian alpine area) to create an ecological network within the territory, with a particular focus on the socio-economic dimensions of nature conservation and with a bottom-up approach. The research investigates the role of NoRs by using a quali-quantitative approach to analyse the attitudes and awareness of private stakeholders, public actors and local communities. In-depth interviews with NoRs coordinators and key players in tourism organizations were carried out. 167 online questionnaires were sent out to local stakeholders. The research investigates community participation and stakeholder engagement in NoRs’ projects and activities, whether and how socio-economic development has occurred, and whether and how innovative sustainable tourism offers have been created. It confirms the role of NoRs in relation to the conservation and valorisation of natural resources through the stimulation of activities such as environmental interpretation and education. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of bottom-up processes for the co-creation of sustainable tourism offers and the fostering of social innovation. NoRs have proved to be successful in overcoming the major impediments to the functioning of the Natura 2000 network highlighted in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interpreting Sustainability through Co-Evolution: Evidence from Religious Accommodations in Rome

by Paola M. A. Paniccia, Luna Leoni and Silvia Baiocco

Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2301; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9122301 - 11 Dec 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4067

Abstract

In recent decades, concepts such as sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness have become fundamental for the development of tourist destinations, and thus, particularly, for the generation of value co-creation processes. To understand the role of tourism firms in these processes, more theoretical and empirical research is required. This paper addresses this need by examining the increasing role played by religious accommodations, adopting a co-evolutionary approach to sustainability and the resulting value co-creation processes. The study focuses on the dynamics of the relationship between this new hospitality model, territories, and tourists, through the analysis of six case studies localized in the historic centre of Rome (Italy). Findings show that religious accommodations can be considered as a new sustainability-oriented hospitality model that, by creating effective multi-level co-evolutionary adaptations with its territory and tourists, positively affects sustainable development as well as the generation of value co-creation processes. The paper contributes significantly both to sustainability literature and to the study of new hospitality models. Thus, theoretical and managerial implications emerge, together with suggestions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Value Co-Creation Really Matter? An Investigation of Italian Millennials Intention to Buy Electric Cars

by Costanza Nosi, Tommaso Pucci, Cecilia Silvestri and Barbara Aquilani

Sustainability 2017, 9(12), 2159; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9122159 - 23 Nov 2017

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7026

Abstract

The present research aims to explore the determinants of (full) electric vehicle (EV) buying intention of Italian millennials focusing on the role that value co-creation initiatives might play in the buying decision-making process. Value co-creation initiatives in the EV domain are studied employing an enhanced version of the Theory of Reasoned Action which, in addition to the traditional variables of the model, also includes perceived importance of cars’ attributes. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to analyze the data collected though an online survey on 523 Italians aged 18–35. The outcomes provide recommendations to tailor proper initiatives to encourage millennials’ buying intention of electric vehicles supporting private companies in favoring the adoption of wide-spread pro-environmental behaviors among Italian youngsters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Life Cycle Assessment in the Textile Sector: An Italian Case Study

by Paola Lenzo, Marzia Traverso, Roberta Salomone and Giuseppe Ioppolo

Sustainability 2017, 9(11), 2092; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9112092 - 14 Nov 2017

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 10063

Abstract

This study presents the first application of the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) to a textile product made in Sicily (Italy), according to the Social Life Cycle Assessment guidelines (UNEP). The main goal is to assess and present the social values of a product manufactured in a particular territorial area where the presence of an industry represents the main source of employment. The first part of the study is a literature review of the current state of the art of the S-LCA and its implementation to textile products. In the implementation, particular attention is paid in identifying the positive impacts and in highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the method when applied in this specific sector. The functional unit of the study is an order for a garment (consisting of 495 capes in a soft blend of wool and cashmere), produced by a textile company located in Sicily (Italy). The system boundaries of the study include all phases from cradle-to-gate, i.e. from raw material production through fabric/accessory production to the manufacturing process of the product itself at the company. Background and foreground processes are taken into account using specific and generic data. Two stakeholder groups have been considered (workers and local communities) as those that can better represent the company’s value in the territory. The analysis carried out on the functional unit of the study allowed assessing social performance related to the specific textile product, but also to outline the general behaviour of the company. Results offer to scholars a perspective on which to focus their future researches in the sector and highlight that S-LCA is a valuable tool to support business decisions, assessing the social impact of the product to improve the social conditions of stakeholders. However, the access to primary and/or good quality local, national and global data is essential to draw credible conclusions; consequently, every effort to promote the application for S-LCA is highly suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Levels of CSR Disclosure by Forestry Companies in China

by Feifei Lu, Robert Kozak, Anne Toppinen, Dalia D’Amato and Zuomin Wen

Sustainability 2017, 9(10), 1800; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9101800 - 04 Oct 2017

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5497

Abstract

Abstract: With the international community’s increasing concern for social and environmental problems, the fulfilment and disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been advocated and promoted across the world. Forestry companies, which are particularly sensitive to environmental and social issues, are increasingly developing and improving their levels of CSR disclosure. However, information on emerging country contexts is still lacking. To fill this gap, this study focuses on Chinese forestry companies’ CSR disclosure and introduces new disclosure indices through content analysis of annual reports by listed companies between 2011–2015. It then builds a correlation analysis of the factors influencing these companies’ disclosure indices in order to gain a better understanding of the current situation for CSR implementation by forestry companies in emerging economies like China. Although context-specific, our findings can provide a reference for researchers and policy makers, and promote sustainable development via improved CSR disclosure by forestry companies, especially in developing regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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1380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enabling Value Co-Creation in the Sharing Economy: The Case of Mobike

by Jing Lan, Yuge Ma, Dajian Zhu, Diana Mangalagiu and Thomas F. Thornton

Sustainability 2017, 9(9), 1504; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su9091504 - 24 Aug 2017

Cited by 146 | Viewed by 17079

Abstract

The disruptive rise of the sharing economy has inspired multiple social innovations embodying significant potential towards achieving urban sustainability in crucial areas like low-carbon mobility. Increasingly, consumers in such sharing systems participate in activities of value co-creation together with firms and peers, such as through enforcing rules that help maintain trust and reciprocity. Why do people choose to invest their time and energy in co-creating values that may benefit wider social and environmental sustainability in the sharing economy? This study addresses this question through an analysis of an emerging shared mobility community, the innovative socio-economic relationships it has spawned, and the cultural and cognitive forces that underpin these new forms of economic organization and value creation in relation to sustainability. Through a mixed method case study of a newly emerged free-floating bike sharing system in China, called Mobike, the paper explores the main enabling factors which is transforming people from passive product/service receivers to active value co-creators in the sharing economy, such as self-efficacy, cognition of duty, anticipated awards and learning processes. The paper argues that business, social and government organizations may leverage these enabling factors to achieve a more sustainable sharing business and society. Finally, based on quantitative and qualitative data analysis, the article proposes a value co-creation framework between users and firms that involves a clear social learning process on the one hand, and has strong links with social innovations towards sustainability, on the other. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation and Value Co-Creation: Finding the Strategic Link in Business Management towards Sustainability)

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