Bridging the Gap: A Comparative Study of Internal Stakeholder Engagement Strategies in the Process Industry for Green Innovation Implementation

Abstract

This thesis investigates the intricate relationship between internal stakeholder engagement, green innovation implementation, and project success within the process industry. Drawing from a mixed-methods approach, the study combines theoretical insights from extensive literature with survey data collected from participants in the NAP Network. The research addresses challenges encountered during green innovation initiatives and identifies strategies to engage internal stakeholders effectively, ultimately boosting project success. To comprehensively achieve the research goals, a mixed-methods approach was adopted. The study began with a thorough literature review, establishing variables, conceptualizing relationships, and forming a theoretical framework. This groundwork informed the development of a questionnaire capturing insights, strategies, and challenges related to internal stakeholder engagement, process industry type, green innovation implementation, and project success. The survey process upheld ethical standards, ensuring participant consent and anonymity. The questionnaire reached NAP-affiliated participants, a significant process industry network. This method facilitated the collection of data on stakeholder engagement strategies, encountered challenges, and diverse viewpoints on green innovation. Findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics linking internal stakeholder engagement, green innovation implementation, and project success in the process industry. Despite the sample size limitation (N=24), collected data offers perspectives that illuminate challenges faced and strategies employed. The research identifies shared and individual challenges faced by various process industry sectors during green innovation initiatives. Common hurdles encompass resistance to change, lack of top management support, and competing priorities. Interestingly, industry-specific challenges did not significantly hinder green innovation implementation, possibly due to participants’ expertise and confidence. These challenges emphasize the pivotal role of effective internal stakeholder engagement in surmounting obstacles and driving successful green innovation. Respondents’ insights reveal various strategies to engage internal stakeholders in green innovation projects. Workshops and collaborative sessions stand out as highly effective approaches, fostering creativity, cross-functional collaboration, and shared responsibility. This underscores the significance of interactive methods in overcoming challenges and promoting successful implementation. However, the strategies used for engaging internal stakeholders do not necessarily guarantee project success. Furthermore, findings highlight how internal stakeholders’ perspectives and concerns positively influence green innovation practices and project success. Participants’ views on green innovation vary, with some seeing it as a response to environmental demands, while others perceive it as a way to gain a competitive edge and enhance brand reputation. Successful green innovation practices also contribute to project success in the process industry. These perspectives underscore the diverse motivations driving green innovation implementation. Acknowledging limitations stemming from extensive literature, potential researcher bias, and a relatively small sample, the study suggests avenues for future research. Recommendations encompass replicating the study with a larger sample, exploring specific industry sectors, and examining the financial implications of green innovation implementation. In conclusion, this study blends theoretical insights with survey data to offer a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between internal stakeholder engagement, green innovation implementation, and project success in the process industry. The research underscores the critical role of effective stakeholder engagement strategies in overcoming challenges and propelling sustainable innovation initiatives. Despite limitations, these insights hold potential for practical applications and serve as a basis for further research in the field of green innovation and sustainability.