We are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in the Journal of Environmental Management, co-authored by Kristin Gisa (University of Münster), Frank Tietze and Qi Ang Du (University of Cambridge), and Thomas Schäper (University of Münster).
The study explores how firms’ green manufacturing orientation (GMO) influences their contributions to climate change innovation (CCI). Using data from 322 S&P 500 companies (2009–2019), the research uncovers a nonlinear relationship: while moderate levels of GMO foster innovation, overly intensive approaches may lead to diminishing returns in non-manufacturing sectors. By contrast, in manufacturing industries, stronger GMO is consistently associated with greater innovation outcomes.
These findings extend the natural resource-based view by conceptualizing GMO as a bounded and context-dependent capability, highlighting important implications for both managers and policymakers. In particular, they suggest that manufacturing firms stand to benefit most from sustained investments in green manufacturing strategies, enabling stronger contributions to climate technology development.
Full reference:
Gisa, K., Tietze, F., Du, Q.A., & Schäper, T. (2025). From production to climate technology contribution: Exploring the nonlinear relationship between green manufacturing orientation and climate change innovation. Journal of Environmental Management, 394, 127218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127218