Developing and applying the Mission-oriented Innovation Systems (MIS) approach

Building on the literature on Mission-oriented Innovation Policy, governance, transition studies and innovation systems, this paper develops an initial approach to studying the Mission-oriented Innovation System (MIS). Central to the MIS is the concept of a mission arena, in which actors formulate and govern the mission as well as mobilize and direct other, existing system components, in order to legitimize, develop, diffuse and adopt innovative mission solutions. The MIS approach involves a problem-solutions diagnosis and an analysis of structural, functional, and systemic barriers. To provide formative mission governance recommendations, the systemic barriers are contrasted with the mission governance actions that the arena undertakes to mobilize the MIS. A case study of the Dutch mission for sustainable shipping illustrates the value of the MIS approach.

L.P. Hildebrand, L.W. Brigham, and T.M. Johansson (eds.), Sustainable Shipping in a Changing Arctic (WMU Studies in Maritime Affairs, 7) (Cham: Springer, 2018)

A review of the book: Hildebrand, L. P., Brigham, L. W., & Johansson, T. M. (eds.), Sustainable Shipping in a Changing Arctic (WMU Studies in Maritime Affairs, 7) (Cham: Springer, 2018)

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES OF MODERN SHIPPING INDUSTRY

Nowadays, maritime transport faces more challenges than at its beginning. Like any other industry, the maritime sector must adapt to the needs of the modern world and carry out its activities with respect for the environment. Continuous technological development and increased environmental awareness are the determining factors of changes in modern shipping. Therefore, one of the main challenges of maritime transport is to implement innovative solutions to protect the marine environment. However, it is quite challenging to achieve both ecological and economic benefits at the same time. That is why it is very important to apply the win-win principle, which refers to the sustainable development of maritime transport. The paper provides an overview of applicable and promising technological solutions, logistical activities, and regulatory provisions applied in reduction of shipping gas emissions, as well as importance of points to be considered in development of sustainable shipping. Innovative methods of adapting to the increasingly restrictive environmental regulations are presented as well.

The antecedents of sustainable shipping management and organisational performance: resource accumulation and orientation perspectives

PurposeSustainable shipping management (SSM) has received much attention from shipping companies in recent years. Grounded on resource accumulation and orientation perspectives, this study aims to identify the antecedents of SSM and examine their effects on the performance (i.e. shippers' loyalty and financial performance) of shipping companies.Design/methodology/approachA model comprising a network of hypotheses that specifies the relationships between the antecedents, SSM, shippers' loyalty and financial performance was constructed. Subsequently, a survey questionnaire was designed. Survey data were then collected from 294 shipping companies located in Vietnam and analysed using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings indicate that the five antecedents have significant effects on the effectiveness of SSM. They are stakeholders' focus, strategic orientation, supply chain collaboration, sustainability resource development and sustainability technology development. Bootstrapping analysis indicates that SSM has significant direct and indirect effects on financial performance via shippers' loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsApplied perspectives are complementary and offer unique explanations to SSM. However, the orientation perspective offers stronger explanation. This study also improves the allocation of resources and capabilities in managing sustainability to enhance the organisational performance of shipping companies.Originality/valueThis study synthesises the sustainability and strategic management literature to identify the antecedents of SSM.