Series/Report no.:
ITS 33rd European Conference 2025: "Digital innovation and transformation in uncertain times", Edinburgh, UK, 29th June – 1st July 2025
Abstract:
This study explores how knowledge search depth and breadth in green patenting influence environmental innovation in the mobile industry, a sector facing increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact. Using a panel of 42 mobile firms from 2001 to 2023, we find that search depth exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship with green innovation, suggesting that while leveraging internal knowledge initially boosts environmental innovation, excessive reliance can hinder progress due to organizational rigidity. Conversely, search breadth demonstrates a consistently positive effect, indicating that expanding external knowledge sources enhances a firm's capacity for sustainable innovation. These findings underscore the strategic importance of balancing internal and external knowledge strategies to foster green innovation in the mobile sector.