In response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our study explores the pivotal role of Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation (SOSI) in translating sustainability visions into tangible strategies. Focused on Irish family-owned small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute a significant majority of businesses in Ireland, employing two-thirds of the working population, our research aims to develop a robust framework for operationalising sustainability visions. Through a unique combination of action research methodology and transdisciplinary collaboration, we explore how Irish SME-family firms can effectively integrate sustainability into their core operations, providing practical insights and contributing to the realization of the UN SDGs.
Preliminary results of our research emphasise the significance of transdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement in successfully implementing sustainability visions through SOSI within SME-family firms. The development of an integrated framework for measuring sustainability performance is underway, aiming to offer a holistic view of progress towards the UN SDGs. Initial insights from the action research process indicate positive shifts in organisational practices towards SOSI and service innovation capability.
Contribution to Knowledge
This research contributes to the field of capability development theory with focus on service innovation, by addressing the practical challenge of operationalising sustainability visions in Irish SME-family firms. The study’s findings will provide a valuable guide for SME-family firms seeking to align their strategies with sustainability goals. Additionally, the comprehensive sustainability performance measurement framework will serve as a useful tool for assessing and enhancing sustainability practices in various organisational settings.
Practical Implications
For SME-family firms in Ireland and beyond, this research offers actionable insights into the effective implementation of sustainability-oriented strategies through SOSI. The practical guidance derived from this study can inform decision-makers on how to bridge the gap between vision and action, ultimately promoting sustainable business practices and supporting the realisation of the UN SDGs.
Dr. Katrin Dreyer-Gibney 