When your value proposition is to improve others' energy efficiency: Analyzing the internationalization dilemma of eco-innovations in SMEs

Abstract

In a scenario of growing demand for energy, technology applications that monitor industrial companies' energy consumption will support the integration of the value chain of suppliers, companies, and clients in a process of eco-innovation. We relate the drivers of eco-innovation to the key factors of internationalization of business models based on supporting industrial companies' energy efficiency. From a dynamic perspective, this study allows us to highlight that an entrepreneur's preestablished personal network, the lack of opportunities in domestic markets, and the fast-changing environment complicate the international growth pattern of eco-innovations.