Exploring Environmental Regulation Instruments and Their Impact on Eco-Innovation Practices Among SMEs: The Mediating Role of Environmental Orientation

Khalid Mady*, Mohamed Battour, Sabri Shaker Ashoor Bin-Obaidellah, Maha Khamis Al Balushi, Rowan Elodie Kennedy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Despite a vast body of eco-innovation literature investigating the assumption that environmental regulations encourage the implementation of eco-innovative practices, previous research on eco-innovation and environmental regulations has yielded inconsistent findings. By considering the heterogeneity of environmental regulation and eco-innovations, this study sheds light on how different environmental regulation instruments can facilitate and enhance eco-innovation practices, along with the role of environmental orientation in mediating the relationships. The study surveyed 188 managers and owners and utilised the partial least squares-structural equation model as the analytical method. Results showed that environmental regulatory mechanisms have no direct impact on eco-innovation. However, the study has found that environmentally oriented SMEs respond to strict environmental policies and regulations by undertaking eco-innovation practices. Furthermore, market-based instruments provide firms with strong environmental orientation and economic incentives to foster eco-process innovations. The study offers practical insights for policymakers and SME managers, in addition to advancing the knowledge base.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2450010
JournalJournal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 1 2024

Keywords

  • Eco-innovation
  • command-and-control instrument
  • environmental orientation
  • environmental regulation
  • market-based instrument

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Cite this