Service vs. manufacturing: how to address more effectively eco-innovation public policies by disentangling the different characteristics of industries

• Published in: Innovation (Abingdon, England) Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 134 - 151
• Main Authors: Segarra-Oña, María-del-Val, Peiró-Signes, Ángel, Mondéjar-Jiménez, José, Vargas-Vargas, Manuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 03-04-2014; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Comparative analysis; eco-innovation; Empirical research; environmental promotion; Industry; Innovation; Innovations; Manufacturers; Manufacturing; Manufacturing Industries; manufacturing industry; public policies; Public policy; Service Industries; Service industry; Spain; Value orientation
• ISSN: 1351-1610; 1469-8412
• DOI: 10.1080/13511610.2013.863705

Eco-innovation is actually a fashionable topic, and several researchers are working on understanding the defining characteristics of firms that consider the environment as a priority when innovating. To date most of these studies have been carried out on manufacturing industries. This article investigates the similarities and differences among service and manufacturing firms. An empirical analysis of a sample of 5509 Spanish companies shows that the variables affecting the eco-innovative orientation of firms are quite similar. Results reveal that manufacturing firms have higher orientation toward the environment than service firms. Furthermore, highly polarized positions in environmental aspects can be found. Despite the limitations of the study, conclusions may help public policy to encourage environmental proactivity in service industry and innovation.