Transition toward sustainability

: can open innovation practices provide the solution

Abstract

Environmental sustainability is becoming a key priority for manufacturing companies, leading companies to explore new ways to innovate. This thesis examines how Open Innovation can help improve the environmental sustainability of production processes. Through interviews with managers from Portuguese manufacturing firms from various sectors, the study explores the typology of Sustainable Open Innovation and looks at the role of knowledge intermediaries and dynamic capabilities in supporting these innovation practices. The results show that many companies work with external partners to gain access to green technologies, reduce costs, and develop eco-friendly products. These collaborations often lead to new sustainable products, stronger brand reputation, and access to new markets. However, companies also face challenges such as limited resources, difficulty protecting shared knowledge, and market instability. This study combines theory with real-world insights to show how Open Innovation can support sustainability goals in manufacturing. It offers useful recommendations for companies aiming to become more environmentally responsible through collaborative innovation.

Date of Award	23 Oct 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Božidar Vlačić (Supervisor)