The important role of civil society groups in eco‐innovation: a triple helix perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss, theoretically and practically, the role of civil society groups in eco‐innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from a discussion on the emergence of “triple helix twins”, “quadruple helix” and “N‐tuple helices”, this paper discusses the role of civil society groups in eco‐innovation by addressing the following research questions: Why is it necessary to stress that civil society groups are as important as university, industry and government in eco‐innovation? What inspiration can “triple helix twins” and “quadruple helix” provide when arguing for a fourth actor of civil society groups in eco‐innovation? How are civil society groups affecting eco‐innovation practice and what does it tell us about the relation between civil society groups and the triple helix actors? In addressing the “How” question the authors draw on examples of eco‐innovation activities in Denmark and China.

Findings

Theoretically, the authors find that eco‐innovation has peculiarities of “intents toward environmental benefits”, “double externality problem” and “regulatory push/pull”. These peculiarities call for an explicit focus on civil society groups in eco‐innovation studies. Practically, eco‐innovation practices from Danish and Chinese companies show that: non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role as external expert knowledge providers, mediators and supporters of green business; the practices of the Danish case company indicate that civil society groups are not only foundations for developing innovation – they can be actors themselves; the existence of semi‐governmental organizations in the Chinese case company, which is categorized under the concept of NGOs, shows the limitations of the concept of civil society groups in exposing important actors and indicates the importance of analysing “mixed” organizations representing by linkages between the four actors.

Social implications

The peculiarities of eco‐innovation indicate that eco‐innovation policy and strategy making should take civil society groups into consideration, as they are helpful not only to provide pressure and push industry onto a green track, but also as supporters and carriers of green business. Corporate social responsibility is proposed as a stepping‐stone to engage civil society groups in broader eco‐innovation activity.

Originality/value

The paper starts an important and novel discussion on the importance of worldwide acceptance of civil society groups as important actors in eco‐innovation.

Citation

Yang, Y. and Egelund Holgaard, J. (2012), "The important role of civil society groups in eco‐innovation: a triple helix perspective", Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 132-148. https://doi.org/10.1108/17561411211235730