The Dynamics of Green Innovation in B2B Industries : A Systems Approach to Explain the Diffusion of Bioplastics

In this book a quantitative, dynamic model is developed to explain and explore the diffusion of green new products in a business-to-business (B2B) context. Considering the case of emerging bioplastics, this goal is reached through a mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods over three phases. After an interview study with key-value chain actors an experimental vignette technique is applied to further study relevant factors in the micro (firm) level adoption process. Integrating the empirical findings, the diffusion model is developed and simulated at the macro (industry) level using a System Dynamics (SD) approach. Results explain the underlying dynamics and critical conditions for adoption to become self-sustaining.