Innovative Green Initiatives in the Manufacturing SME Sector in Poland

Abstract

Operating a business in the context of current environmental challenges requires managers to shift away from the management model focused solely on the achievement of economic goals. In this situation, pro-ecological (green) initiatives, in particular those that are innovative, are gaining significance. These measures allow for the mitigation and/or elimination of the environmental pollution while generating at the same time certain benefits for the companies implementing them, which is reflected in the improved financial performance. Ecological innovation (eco-innovation) is an ideal solution that allows business entities to achieve both environmental and economic goals. Nevertheless, other green initiatives may also contribute to the accomplishment of such objectives. This article aims to indicate innovative green initiatives undertaken in the SME sector, while identifying at the same time their impact on the operation of entities in this sector. It was accomplished on the basis of empirical research conducted on a sample of 342 manufacturing enterprises operating in Poland. The obtained results gave rise to the conclusion that the undertaken innovative green initiatives do not only combine environmental objectives with economic objectives, but also bring measurable benefits to the implementers (e.g., revenue growth), which occurs in parallel to environmental safety maintenance.