Delving Into the Interdependencies in the Network of Economic Sustainability Innovations

Abstract

Legislative pressures and public awareness are urging companies to foster sustainability innovations that improve business operations. Limited studies explored the underpinnings of the economic dimension of sustainability innovations; studying economic innovation criteria in the manufacturing sector of emerging economies can inform other industries while recession fears loom the financial prospects. This article develops a decision analysis and evaluation framework for investigating the interdependencies in the network of economic sustainability innovation criteria using fuzzy Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM). It is found that the ‘‘availability of financial resources for promoting innovation’’ is the criterion with the most network relations; this is what the managers should focus on to better pursue sustainability innovations in the supply chains and facilitate the shift towards sustainable industrial development. The study is concluded by providing practical insights into the economic dimension of sustainability innovations for industrial managers and academics.