Sustainability-Oriented Innovation Practices and the Business Model of Internationalized Industrial Companies

Abstract

This study analyzed the differences regarding adopting sustainability-oriented innovation practices and the business model of industrial com-panies considering their degree of internationalization. Quantitative research was developed with a descriptive design using a survey, and the sample comprised 104 Brazilian industrial companies. Significant differences were observed concerning products, demonstrating the consumers’ concerns regarding these aspects. As for the business model, differences were noted regarding a financial model responsible for the company’s ecological and social impacts. This aspect shows that companies operating in foreign markets include sustainability’s social, environmental, and economic dimensions in their business models. From a theoretical point of view, this study connects sustainability-oriented innovation practices and the business model by considering the degree of internationalization. As for originality, the present study relates the themes of sustainable innovation and internationalization while analyzing a developing country, whereas most articles have covered developed countries.