Collective market-shaping in networks for a sustainable innovation. A case study on eco-concrete
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
L4
Topic of the dissertation
Collective market-shaping in networks for a sustainable innovation. A case study on eco-concrete
Doctoral candidate
M.Sc. (economics and business administration) Mari Mehtälä
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Oulu Business School, Marketing, Management and International Business
Subject of study
Marketing
Opponent
Professor Hannu Makkonen, University of Vaasa
Custos
Associate professor Hanna Komulainen, University of Oulu
Commercializing sustainable innovations requires broad and long-term shaping of markets
Innovations that promote sustainable development are often systemic in nature and require diverse collaboration across different sectors and actors. Therefore, merely developing and introducing new products to the market is not enough; broader market-shaping is needed, which entails intentional changes to market structures and practices. This thesis investigates how various network actors participate in and influence the processes of market shaping, highlighting the importance of collective action in promoting sustainable innovations.
The case study in the dissertation focuses on eco-concrete made from industrial by-products – an innovation that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Market-shaping is particularly challenging and slow in industries where established institutions, such as regulations, standards, and practices, restrict the adoption of innovative solutions. Therefore, multi-actor networks, where companies, industry associations, research institutions, regulators, and other stakeholders can collaborate, play a crucial role in implementing this change.
The research provides new insights into how multi-actor networks generate collective action and can promote the wider dissemination of sustainable innovations. The findings particularly emphasize the significance of intermediation in market-shaping – referring to how network actors and resources can be connected and directed toward common goals. On the other hand, multi-actor networks can sometimes also create tensions and slow down the adoption of new innovations. The perspectives and objectives of different actors regarding future markets can vary significantly, which may dilute or undermine collective efforts to shape markets.
The research also offers new perspectives on how key actors can be mobilized for collective action not only through innovation networks but also through so-called issue networks. Issue networks, which focus on common sustainability challenges and their solutions, bring together diverse perspectives and resources needed for the successful commercialization and broader acceptance of sustainable innovations.
The case study in the dissertation focuses on eco-concrete made from industrial by-products – an innovation that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Market-shaping is particularly challenging and slow in industries where established institutions, such as regulations, standards, and practices, restrict the adoption of innovative solutions. Therefore, multi-actor networks, where companies, industry associations, research institutions, regulators, and other stakeholders can collaborate, play a crucial role in implementing this change.
The research provides new insights into how multi-actor networks generate collective action and can promote the wider dissemination of sustainable innovations. The findings particularly emphasize the significance of intermediation in market-shaping – referring to how network actors and resources can be connected and directed toward common goals. On the other hand, multi-actor networks can sometimes also create tensions and slow down the adoption of new innovations. The perspectives and objectives of different actors regarding future markets can vary significantly, which may dilute or undermine collective efforts to shape markets.
The research also offers new perspectives on how key actors can be mobilized for collective action not only through innovation networks but also through so-called issue networks. Issue networks, which focus on common sustainability challenges and their solutions, bring together diverse perspectives and resources needed for the successful commercialization and broader acceptance of sustainable innovations.
Last updated: 21.10.2024