Sustainability has become an increasingly important aspect for companies to consider. Not only is it necessary to comply with laws and regulations that encourage corporate sustainability, but it has also become a way for companies to gain competitiveness. Historically, companies have primarily adopted so called closed innovation models focused on internal resources and capabilities, in order to generate competitive advantages. However, in a world characterized by rapidly changing demands and high product complexity, the internal capabilities of companies are challenged, which have led firms to explore other collaborative models of innovation. This trend is referred to as open innovation and it implies that companies open up their innovation process in order to utilize external knowledge and share their unutilized ideas. This thesis seeks to explore the sustainability-related implications of open innovation by understanding opportunities and challenges related to adopting an open approach for innovation projects that aim to enhance sustainability. Furthermore, it adopts a contingency perspective through which it seeks to examine factors affecting the sustainability-related performance of open innovation projects. The study is based on empirical data obtained through six semi-structured interviews in a Swedish state-owned enterprise within the air transport industry. The research finds that an open approach for sustainability-oriented innovation projects leads to increased creativity, increased access to knowledge and reduced duration, but that they are challenged by a high degree of complexity. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the sustainability performance of open innovation projects is moderated by three factors: the management of the project, the dedication of the individuals involved and the absorptive capacity of the team. The study argues that in order to enhance sustainability performance of innovation projects, these factors must be adjusted according to the openness of the project. By exploring the context dependencies of open innovation for sustainability purposes, the study contributes to develop a broader comprehension of the contextual characteristics of open innovation as well as its relevance for sustainability.

[ES] La teoría y las políticas de innovación son más beneficiosas cuando reflejan cambios en las prioridades sociales. Centradas tradicionalmente e inicialmente en el cambio tecnológico, vemos que las políticas de innovación actualmente enfrentan la tarea cada vez más necesaria de abordar las externalidades negativas, especialmente en el contexto de la sostenibilidad social y ambiental. Esto se materializa mejor en el caso de ejemplo de la política de innovación de especialización inteligente en Europa. Como contribución al debate actual en el campo sobre la intersección de la innovación y la sostenibilidad, esta tesis aborda tres preguntas de investigación diferentes centradas en cómo se pueden aprovechar las políticas de innovación para lograr la igualdad, la sostenibilidad y la inclusión. Cada capítulo plantea una pregunta única, se embarca en una revisión de la literatura específica y emplea una metodología personalizada para responder la pregunta en cuestión y, en consecuencia, contribuir a nuestra comprensión del amplio tema de la innovación para la sostenibilidad. La tesis finaliza con la literatura y las contribuciones metodológicas de las preguntas de investigación, además de las recomendaciones de políticas a nivel de empresa, nivel regional y nivel de diseño e implementación de políticas. / [CA] La teoria i la política de la innovació són més beneficioses quan reflecteixen canvis en les prioritats de la societat. Tradicionalment i inicialment centrada en el canvi tecnològic, veiem que la política d'innovació s'enfronta actualment a la tasca cada vegada més necessària d'abordar les externalitats negatives, especialment en el context de la sostenibilitat social i ambiental. Això s'incorpora millor en l'exemple de cas de la política d'innovació d'especialització intel·ligent a Europa. En contribució al debat actual sobre la intersecció de la innovació i la sostenibilitat, aquesta tesi s'adreça a tres qüestions de recerca diferents centrades en com es pot aprofitar la política d'innovació per aconseguir la igualtat, la sostenibilitat i la inclusió. Cada capítol fa una pregunta única, s'embarca en una revisió bibliogràfica específica i utilitza una metodologia personalitzada per respondre a la pregunta en qüestió i, per tant, contribuir a la nostra comprensió de l'ampli tema de la innovació per a la sostenibilitat. La tesi acaba amb la literatura i les contribucions metodològiques de les qüestions de recerca, a més de les recomanacions polítiques a nivell de firma, regional i de disseny i implementació de polítiques. / [EN] Innovation theory and policy are most beneficial when they reflect shifts in societal priorities. Traditionally and initially focused on technological change, we see innovation policy currently grappling with the increasingly necessary task of addressing negative externalities, especially in the context of social and environmental sustainability. This is best embodied in the case-example of the Smart Specialization innovation policy in Europe. In contribution to the current debate in the field on the intersection of innovation and sustainability, this thesis targets three different research questions focused on how innovation policy can be leveraged to achieve equality, sustainability, and inclusivity. Each chapter asks a unique question, embarks on a specific literature review, and employs a tailored methodology to answer the question at hand and accordingly contribute to our understanding of the broad theme of innovation for sustainability. The thesis ends with the literature and methodological contributions of the research questions in addition to the policy recommendations at the firm level, regional level and policy design and implementation level. / Moujaes, G. (2024). Focusing on the Bright Sides of Innovation: Three essays on the role of National Knowledge Dynamics, Inclusive Innovation Teams and Policy Monitoring [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/203886

Since the dawn of humanity design has influenced human life. Today, facing the depletion of the socio-ecological system, increasing complex problems threaten humanity’s existence. Design has been a contributor to creating such problems, yet with appropriate tools can become a source for solutions. Design Thinking (DT) was identified as a possible approach that could contribute to Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD). The purpose of this thesis is to examine potential contributors and hindrances of the DT process with regards to SSD, and create a prototype for an integrated process that could help achieve more strategic and sustainable outcomes. With the use of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) as a lens to examine the above, along with interviews, Action Research and expert feedback, an integrated process was created. Results of the interviews and FSSD analysis helped shape two prototypes that were examined through the mentioned methods. It was indicated by participants of the Action Research and by experts that the prototype could help reach a strategic and sustainable outcome, and further refinement should be pursued. The final prototype is presented as part of the discussion, suggesting additional tools and actions that if included could create a possible Sustainable DT (SDT) process.