| Abstract [eng] |
Current challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social injustice require new approaches. A more sustainable economic structure may be needed that goes beyond familiar economic systems to actively address these issues and shape a more sustainable economy for future generations. The fashion industry in particular faces a complex global problem of poor environmental impact, poor working conditions, or lack of transparency and ethics in the supply chain. A shift towards more sustainable practices in the industry is therefore required. One promising approach is values-based innovation (VBI), which is seen as a prerequisite for more sustainable business models that the fashion industry needs. Values-based innovation focuses on the creation of new products, services, or business models that are based on values and go beyond pure economic benefits. By involving relevant stakeholders, VBI can contribute to the creation of a more sustainable society. However, there is a lack of research on how to effectively involve stakeholders into values-based innovation processes. In light of this, the research aim is to ground a conceptual model for stakeholder inclusion in values-based innovation development in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fashion industry. The underlying research objectives are as follows to accomplish this aim: 1. To discuss the problematic situation of the values-based innovation implementation in the context of the fashion industry SMEs. 2. To perform a literature analysis in order to: a. lay theoretical foundations for this research by defining values-based innovation and categorizing values in the innovation; b. analyze the stakeholder integration and existing theoretical approaches on the ways how stakeholders can be integrated into the values-based innovation; c. develop a conceptual model for stakeholder inclusion in values-based innovation development in SMEs. 3. To ground a research methodology to explore how stakeholders are included in the values-based innovation in the case of fashion SMEs. 4. To empirically test and validate a conceptual model for stakeholder inclusion in values-based innovation development. Research method used in this thesis is a comprehensive literature review that substantiates the conceptual model and research indicators used for empirical research. A qualitative research approach was used, which included a multiple case study. European SMEs in the fashion industry were selected for the case studies using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through a combination of primary and secondary data. As part of the primary data generation, five semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners from the case firms using a developed interview guideline. Secondary data was generated through desk research. The resulting data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and MAXQDA software to extract the information. Key theoretical findings include a definition of values-based innovation management, which could be elaborated in light of the still-emerging research field. Furthermore, different value levers in different management levels, as well as the driving value set of this approach, could be presented. In addition, differentiation of similar innovation approaches was performed to highlight the relevance and uniqueness of the VBI approach and to position it within the research field. Different innovation processes and methods were examined. Additionally, the importance of stakeholder involvement for VBI management was highlighted and the most important stakeholder groups were defined. These researched scientific topics form the basis for the strategic implementation framework for stakeholder inclusion in values-based innovation development in fashion SMEs, which was developed from the theoretical solution. The key empirical findings indicate the practical applicability and adoption of the implementation framework developed here. Based on the empirical data, it was found that firm values are closely linked to the intrinsic values of founders and CEOs and that the implementation of the framework is similar to practical approaches, but communicated to users in a clearer and more methodologically guided way, leading to increased effectiveness. Minor adjustments were made to the framework, which still includes all the elements developed on the basis of the theory (firm diagnostics, stakeholder identification, innovation process, and values-driven stakeholder checkpoints). In addition, the implementation of the values-driven stakeholder checkpoints has been clarified and adapted. This ensures a facilitated and appropriate application for SMEs. Thus, the implementation framework can help SMEs in the fashion industry to strategically implement stakeholder inclusion in values-based innovation development. The proposed systematic model provides an impetus for further potential research avenues. Furthermore, implications for management are derived. All these findings together provide meaningful advice for fashion firms that want to lead the change toward a more conscious and sustainable fashion industry. |
