Purpose

In a context of ecological transition, this study aims to explore and understand what fosters the participation of purchasing departments and identify the drivers and difficulties encountered during the development of eco-innovation within firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a qualitative methodology that provides tools to study complex phenomena. In-depth interviews with highly knowledgeable respondents from multi-sectoral organisations enable us to explore the eco-innovation process within firms.

Findings

From the perspectives of resource-based theory and stakeholder theory, the study contributes to the literature by investigating firms’ internal resources and exploring further dimensions based on sustainable supply chain management and purchasing. Internal stakeholders (e.g. purchasing agents) and external stakeholders (e.g. suppliers) were identified with regard to the business eco-innovation activities of focal companies in relation to upstream stakeholders. The authors examine this complex phenomenon by raising certain intra- and inter-organisational factors, as well as more individual aspects, such as the sensitivity of the purchasing manager to ecological transition. Purchasing agents are involved in increasing the propensity of organisations to eco-innovate and, as internal stakeholders, appear to be influential in eco-innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Given the nascent state of eco-innovation practice and accessibility to primary data about ongoing efforts, this research could not consider all possible drivers.

Practical implications

This study presents an opportunity for purchasing managers to understand challenges more comprehensively to add value within the eco-innovation process. The results highlight recommendations for how best to undertake eco-innovation in upstream supply chains.

Originality/value

The study provides new insights into the constituent resources needed for purchasing participation during eco-innovation to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. This paper is an initial attempt at research in the area.

中文翻译：

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上游供应链生态创新：重新思考采购经理的参与

目的

在生态转型的背景下，本研究旨在探索和理解是什么促进了采购部门的参与，并确定了企业生态创新发展过程中遇到的驱动因素和困难。

设计/方法/方法

作者采用了一种定性方法，为研究复杂现象提供了工具。与来自多部门组织的知识渊博的受访者进行深入访谈，使我们能够探索企业内部的生态创新过程。

发现

从资源基础理论和利益相关者理论的角度，该研究通过调查企业内部资源并探索基于可持续供应链管理和采购的进一步维度，为文献做出贡献。针对重点企业与上游利益相关者的商业生态创新活动，确定了内部利益相关者（例如采购代理）和外部利益相关者（例如供应商）。作者通过提出某些组织内部和组织间的因素以及更多的个人方面来检验这一复杂现象，例如采购经理对生态转型的敏感性。采购代理参与增加组织的生态创新倾向，并且作为内部利益相关者，似乎在生态创新中具有影响力。

研究限制/影响

鉴于生态创新实践的初期状态和对正在进行的努力的主要数据的可访问性，本研究无法考虑所有可能的驱动因素。

实际影响

本研究为采购经理提供了一个机会，可以更全面地了解挑战，从而在生态创新过程中增加价值。结果突出了有关如何最好地在上游供应链中进行生态创新的建议。

原创性/价值

该研究为在生态创新期间购买参与以实现可持续竞争优势所需的构成资源提供了新的见解。本文是该领域研究的初步尝试。