Sustainability-oriented Innovation (SOI) in Emerging Economies: A Preliminary Investigation from Indonesia

Abstract

Integration of sustainability elements into firms' innovation activities, known as sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI), has received widespread attention both academically and practically, especially over the last decade [1]-[3]. Yet the results of recent systematic reviews suggest that the study of SOI centres on developed economies, with emerging economies lagging far behind, and Indonesia - which is included in major emerging economies within the BRIICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China, South Africa) - has not been discussed at all. We need, therefore, to examine this research area in this specific setting. Reflecting on nine semi-structured qualitative interviews with business owners and senior managers in Indonesia, this paper reveals how participants consider this research area, identifies themes emerging related to innovation and sustainability, and provides a preliminary analysis of how firms in Indonesia are approaching SOI.