Sustainable innovation as a competitive advantage in the chemical sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5380/dma.v68i.98734Keywords:
competitive advantage, chemical industry, sustainable innovation, sustainabilityAbstract
Sustainable innovation combines economic development, social responsibility and environmental preservation, boosting business competitiveness. This strategic approach makes it possible to address global challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity, by promoting more efficient and responsible practices. Given this context, this study aims to analyze the process of sustainable innovation as a competitive advantage in companies in the chemical sector. The research was divided into two stages: in the qualitative stage, a single case study was adopted, based on in-depth interviews with employees of Company Q and external experts who were not employed by the company, systematic participant observation and documentary analysis. The information collected was analyzed using the content analysis technique. The results of this stage served as a basis for the preparation of a survey applied in the second stage, with companies in the same sector identified through the ABIQUIM registry and the Company Q database. In the qualitative stage, it was found that the company studied implemented sustainable innovation actions, demonstrating environmental concern, despite the financial constraints that slow down this process. The quantitative analysis indicated that companies in the chemical sector share similar operations and prioritize efficiency, productivity and external relations. Finally, the results showed that sustainable innovation constitutes a competitive advantage by boosting efficiency and reducing environmental impacts, as it reduces operating costs through the efficient use of resources, strengthens corporate reputation and meets the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions. However, its effectiveness depends on investments in technology, professional training and transformation of organizational culture.
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