HEI-Led Innovative Green Transition in SMEs and Start-ups

Abstract

This paper aims to understand how higher education institutions (HEIs) can support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to become more sustainable through aligning more closely with the ISO 56002:2019 standard on Innovation Management Systems. The paper utilises an international study with data gathered through semi-structured interviews with eight (n=8) case companies from five (n=5) countries across numerous industries. Preliminary results show HEIs can greatly support and play a large role in facilitating the green transition and sustainability activities of SMEs and start-ups. Results indicate understanding a company’s innovation management system by both the company and the HEI involved improves the effectiveness of the provided support and its resulting impact on increasing the innovative sustainability capacity.