Simon Wright
University of Technology
Collaborate or Perish: Networks and the Role of Third Party Activators in the Sustainable Innovation Journey
Abstract
Sustainability focused networks are proliferating in a variety of forms and with a broad range of actors – circular economy clusters, sustainable supply chains and product service systems are but three examples of emergent business models. Indeed it is argued that the greatest need for a multilateral and collaborative approach to problem solving exists in the context of environmental sustainability, due to the 'wicked problems posed.
This paper explores the nexus between innovation networks and sustainability, identifying key characteristics of these networks at different stages of the innovation process and highlighting the sometimes critical roles played by government and other third party intermediaries.
The literature reveals significant gaps in our understanding of sustainability focused innovation networks. A model or framework of network characteristics is developed that integrates earlier disparate work from the fields of networks, innovation and environmental sustainability and integrates these findings into a singular, cohesive conceptual model.
Empirical testing has begun to shed light on the complex and varying nature of these networks and the role of government and other third parties in facilitating sustainable innovations.
Biography
Simon Wright is a PhD candidate at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology in Sydney and a member of the ‘Wealth from Waste’ research cluster. Simon’s research is investigating the nature of collaborative networks and the role played by government and other third parties in diffusing sustainability-focused innovation across these networks.
Simon also holds a teaching position at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst lecturing in postgraduate sustainability and business and has taught at a number of universities in the UK and Asia Pacific.
Simon has extensive sustainability and CSR expertise in senior management roles with large Australian and multinational companies, as well as running his own environmental consultancy for five years.
Simon lives amidst the mountains and vineyards of regional New South Wales and is one of the founding directors of the local renewable energy cooperative.