Sustainability reporting and circular innovation: the best thing since sliced bread?
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2024-07-21
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en
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Sustainability reporting (SR) is not yet widely integrated into the strategies of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), despite the European Union's efforts to change this with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This directive aims to enhance supply chain transparency, particularly in areas like the circular economy, which is often underutilized. In the Netherlands, bread is the most frequently wasted food product, and implementing circular innovation practices (CIP) could help reduce this waste. This study assesses the role of SR in managing innovative practices, in the realm of the circular economy, among SMEs in the Dutch bread production sector.
Using strategic niche management theory, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand the place of SR in management of circular innovation practices in these businesses.
The study has shown that while SR is commonly used in the sector, its role in management remains minimal and usage is often unconscious. However, evolving regulations and stakeholder pressures are likely to increase its importance. SR can define expectations, foster network-building, and enhance learning processes, all of which are essential for managing circular innovation practices.
Future efforts should focus on providing SMEs with the necessary resources to make SR a standard practice, thereby strengthening strategic niche management and eventually foster circular innovation practices.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen