Eco-Innovation and Firm Performance: The Role of Circular Economy Investments and Human Capital among SMEs in Emilia-Romagna

Giulia Fontanelli ()
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Giulia Fontanelli: Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara

No 1126, SEEDS Working Papers from SEEDS, Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies

Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between eco-innovation and firm performance among SMEs operating in Emilia-Romagna using data from the ECOSISTER Project, Spoke 5 – Circular Economy (C.E.) and Blue Economy. Particular attention is devoted to the role of C.E. Investment Intensity and C.E. Human Capital (HC) as complementary dimensions of sustainability-oriented transformation. The findings suggest that firms progressively integrate eco-innovation, C.E. investments, and specialised HC within their development strategies, highlighting their relevance for competitiveness and economic performance. The study contributes to the literature on innovation, sustainability, and C.E. transitions.

Keywords: Eco-Innovation; Circular Economy; Firm Performance; Human Capital; Circular Economy Investments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O31 O32 Q55 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 24 pages
Date: 2026-06, Revised 2026-06
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http://www.sustainability-seeds.org/papers/RePec/srt/wpaper/1126.pdf First version, 2026 (application/pdf)
http://www.sustainability-seeds.org/papers/RePec/srt/wpaper/1126.pdf Revised version, 2026 (application/pdf)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:srt:wpaper:1126

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