Networked Problem Solving: How innovation diffuses in small and medium-sized enterprises

My main area of interest and current academic focus is on the diffusion of sustainable innovation. The proposed research aims to investigate the challenges of sustainable energy initiatives in Chinese ports; specifically the research investigates which institutional factors are impeding the development and success of emission control strategies. Both classic and contemporary academic opinion holds that pursuing environmental and socially sustainable business models can improve economic and financial performance (Porter & van der Linde, 1995; Wang, 2014). However, despite the huge potential pay offs many enterprises still refuse to adopt sustainable, green practices (Afzal & Zafar, 2014). Ambec & Lanoie (2008) argue that the benefits of sustainable agendas vary depending on the institutional environments firms are operating. For example, firms can significantly reduce the costs of risk management by implementing environmental protection policies if operating in highly regulated industries (Ambec & Lanoie, 2008). This study aims to conduct in-depth semi-structured interviews with relevant government officials in the China Maritime Safety Administration and small business owners to scope out the fundamental institutional, industrial and market characteristics influencing green behaviour in China’s Shanghai & Shenzhen ports. The findings of this project will provide us with the crucial contextual knowledge practitioners need to develop tailored sustainable energy strategies that Chinese ports are more likely to adopt.