Does a CSR focus create innovations among established firms?
(2012) 2. p.119-139- Abstract
- Purpose – In the recent redefinition of the European Commission's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, attention is brought to CSR as a motor for innovation. However, literature in the area remains scarce. This chapter describes and discusses innovation as a consequence of a firm's CSR activities.
Methodology/approach – The empirical part of the chapter is based on the content analysis of 58 annual reports issued by the companies listed on the Swedish large-cap stock exchange. Their statements on CSR were coded to grasp the meanings of CSR, what areas they focus on, and types of innovation.
Findings – The study indicates that CSR innovation mostly focuses on environmental aspects. Companies... (More) - Purpose – In the recent redefinition of the European Commission's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, attention is brought to CSR as a motor for innovation. However, literature in the area remains scarce. This chapter describes and discusses innovation as a consequence of a firm's CSR activities.
Methodology/approach – The empirical part of the chapter is based on the content analysis of 58 annual reports issued by the companies listed on the Swedish large-cap stock exchange. Their statements on CSR were coded to grasp the meanings of CSR, what areas they focus on, and types of innovation.
Findings – The study indicates that CSR innovation mostly focuses on environmental aspects. Companies that are less regulated by law in their operations tend to become more creative in their CSR approaches. CSR policy complements rather than enhances CSR innovation. CSR orientation is path-dependent on competences and position in the supply chain, and puts focus on incremental innovation. For product innovation, CSR may either appear as CSR in product (CSR-influenced material choices) or CSR in use.
Research limitations/implications – The data comprises established Swedish firms, however acting on international markets.
Social implications – Innovation and CSR are two important pillars for societal development. Finding motors that foster innovation, while increasing CSR awareness and using CSR as the driver for innovation, are important challenges for the future.
Originality/value of chapter – The study contributes to previous research through linking CSR orientation to innovation, describing types of innovation, and connecting their combined foci to different industry sectors. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/4934911
- author
- Öberg, Christina LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2012
- type
- Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Corporate social responsibility, innovation, established, Sweden, large-cap
- host publication
- Social and Sustainable Enterprise: Changing the Nature of Business
- editor
- Schaefer, Anja ; Blundel, Richard ; Lyon, Fergus and Underwood, Sarah
- volume
- 2
- pages
- 119 - 139
- publisher
- Emerald Group Publishing Limited
- ISBN
- 978-1-78190-254-7
- 978-1-78190-255-4
- DOI
- 10.1108/S2040-7246(2012)0000002010
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- b5202d99-36ae-4dcb-8650-bc55a5ad93f8 (old id 4934911)
- date added to LUP
- 2016-04-04 11:43:18
- date last changed
- 2018-11-21 21:06:45
@inbook{b5202d99-36ae-4dcb-8650-bc55a5ad93f8,
abstract = {{Purpose – In the recent redefinition of the European Commission's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, attention is brought to CSR as a motor for innovation. However, literature in the area remains scarce. This chapter describes and discusses innovation as a consequence of a firm's CSR activities.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Methodology/approach – The empirical part of the chapter is based on the content analysis of 58 annual reports issued by the companies listed on the Swedish large-cap stock exchange. Their statements on CSR were coded to grasp the meanings of CSR, what areas they focus on, and types of innovation.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Findings – The study indicates that CSR innovation mostly focuses on environmental aspects. Companies that are less regulated by law in their operations tend to become more creative in their CSR approaches. CSR policy complements rather than enhances CSR innovation. CSR orientation is path-dependent on competences and position in the supply chain, and puts focus on incremental innovation. For product innovation, CSR may either appear as CSR in product (CSR-influenced material choices) or CSR in use.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Research limitations/implications – The data comprises established Swedish firms, however acting on international markets.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Social implications – Innovation and CSR are two important pillars for societal development. Finding motors that foster innovation, while increasing CSR awareness and using CSR as the driver for innovation, are important challenges for the future.<br/><br>
<br/><br>
Originality/value of chapter – The study contributes to previous research through linking CSR orientation to innovation, describing types of innovation, and connecting their combined foci to different industry sectors.}},
author = {{Öberg, Christina}},
booktitle = {{Social and Sustainable Enterprise: Changing the Nature of Business}},
editor = {{Schaefer, Anja and Blundel, Richard and Lyon, Fergus and Underwood, Sarah}},
isbn = {{978-1-78190-254-7}},
keywords = {{Corporate social responsibility; innovation; established; Sweden; large-cap}},
language = {{eng}},
pages = {{119--139}},
publisher = {{Emerald Group Publishing Limited}},
title = {{Does a CSR focus create innovations among established firms?}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/S2040-7246(2012)0000002010}},
doi = {{10.1108/S2040-7246(2012)0000002010}},
volume = {{2}},
year = {{2012}},
}