fbpx Innovation for sustainable Development - GITEX IMPACT 16-20 Oct 2023 sustainable innovative Solutions

Sustainable Innovation

Industry leaders can facilitate impactful change through sustainable, innovative solutions. Innovating sustainably is not only beneficial for businesses, but is an opportunity for a green future.

What is Sustainable Innovation?

Sustainable innovation involves intentional, sought-out changes that contribute to improvement regarding a business’ growth. Sustainable innovation ensures positive, long-lasting outcomes due to a shift in a company’s products, services, processes, and strategies. 

Tradition vs. Sustainable Innovation

Innovation for sustainable development is different from traditional innovation due to its core features:

  • Contributes to sustainable firms
  • Requires systems thinking
  • Embedded into the company culture

Unlike traditional innovation, sustainable innovation is a long-term investment that goes beyond profit. Businesses that engage in sustainable innovation understand that they are part of a system that is affected by their decisions. When sustainable innovations are deeply rooted in corporate culture, actions are sustainably-oriented and inclusive. 

What Has Led to Sustainable Innovation?

Sustainable innovation has become a widespread ideology and has been adopted because of:

  • Wicked problems
  • Expansion of knowledge networks
  • Market demand
  • Laws and regulations
  • New business opportunities
  • Opportunities for inter-functional collaboration
  • Corporate culture