Design and Development of an Eco-Innovation Management Information System to Accelerate Firms’ Digital Transformation Strategy

Abstract

It is vital for firms to measure, and, report on, the impact of eco-innovation towards their environmental performance. Additive Manufacturing is an eco-innovation that contributes towards reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing. However, there is a lack of practical tools for management to monitor and report on firms' eco-innovation implementation and performance. This paper presents a prototype Eco-innovation Management Information System (EiMIS), developed to enable a firm's management to systematically manage and report on eco-innovation performance. Using a top-down approach, the EiMIS is developed through utilizing the C# and SQL programming languages for the Graphical User Interface (GUI), Database Management System (DBMS) and other technologies to collect, store (into a relational database) and manage eco-innovation performance data. A 4-tier architecture enables the EiMIS to: store, view and retrieve or generate eco-innovation performance reports; and generally, manage firms' ecoinnovation performance data. This developed prototype could, help introduce information system platforms that: assist firms to collect data that can model their additive manufacturing; ease firms' eco-innovation performance reporting; improve environmental data management capabilities; and complement firms' digital transformation strategy.INDEX TERMS Big data analytics, digital engineering, eco-innovation, environmental management information system, environmental management system, software development.

Role of Digital Transformation for Achieving Sustainability: Mediated Role of Stakeholders, Key Capabilities, and Technology

“…This action was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where organizations that effectively managed the situation demonstrated high levels of digital adoption [108] and utilized digital platforms for effective communication [111]. Therefore, sustainable DX should prioritize establishing direct communication channels with stakeholders and employing technologies that enable prompt responses to contingencies [112].…”

“…This approach fosters a two-way dialog that aligns the expectations of all stakeholders, and the use of technologies plays a key role. Technology enables the collection of more information and the ability to meet stakeholder expectations [112]. To enhance stakeholder involvement, organizations must raise awareness and articulate sustainability requirements and progress indicators verified, which must be present in the organizational culture and endorsed by senior management.…”

Potential of Advanced Technologies for Environmental Management Systems

“…Fenton et al [21] highlight the necessity of a fundamental change in our chemical management systems and explore the integration of a standardized management system and recent technological advancements into environmental management system operations, intending to mitigate or eradicate associated risks and liabilities. Munodawafa and Johl [22] introduce a preliminary model of an Ecoinnovation Management Information System, designed to facilitate the effective management and documentation of a company's eco-innovation achievements.…”