Navigating Sustainability Transitions in Emerging Economies: The Temporal Impacts of Environmental Innovations and the Role of Quality Management Systems

Abstract

Environmental innovation plays a critical role in advancing sustainability transitions in agriculture. However, the implementation of such innovations often introduces short-term operational inefficiencies before delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits. Existing research primarily focuses on cross-sectional analyses of environmental innovation, overlooking the short-term complexities of its adoption, particularly in the agricultural sector. This study employs a multiple-case study approach to examine how agricultural firms navigate sustainability transitions and mitigate initial setbacks. Drawing on corporate responsibility reports from six agricultural firms in emerging economies, this research investigates the temporal effects of environmental innovation and the moderating role of Quality Management Systems in mitigating the transition challenges. This study contributes to the literature by bridging the gap between environmental innovation theory and its practical, short-term implementation challenges in agriculture. The insights provide policy recommendations for designing effective support mechanisms that encourage agricultural firms in emerging economies to sustain their commitment to environmental innovation, despite early adaptation costs.