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- Waves of innovation: the role of sustainability in driving impact in the blue economy – a PLS-SEM approachPublication . Elston, Jennifer Nicole; Pinto, Hugo; Nogueira, CarlaThe Blue Economy, with its emphasis on ocean-based industries, is critical for achieving sustainable development. This study investigates the intricate relationship between sustainability, innovation, and their economic, environmental, and social impacts within Portugal’s Blue Economy. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesized relationships between sustainability, innovation, and triple bottom line (TBL) outcomes based on survey data from firms operating in the sector. The findings confirm that innovation acts as both a direct outcome of sustainability efforts and a mechanism for mediating its impacts on economic and environmental performance. However, no significant direct or mediating effects were observed for social outcomes, highlighting a persistent gap in this dimension that requires further research. The study contributes to both theory and practice by highlighting the strategic integration of sustainability into organizational innovation processes and its role in enhancing multidimensional performance. By identifying critical pathways and barriers, this study offers valuable guidance for policymakers and industry leaders striving to enhance the long-term sustainability of the Blue Economy.
- The governance of smart regions in peripheral Areas: exploring the case of a tourism-dependent regionPublication . Valente, Bernardo; Elston, Jennifer; Pinto, Hugo; Elston, Jennifer NicoleThis article examines the dynamics of governance, stakeholder collaboration, and resource allocation in developing smart regions within peripheral territories. Using the Algarve (Portugal) as a case study—a region characterized by its peripheral status and reliance on tourism—this research explores efforts to integrate technological innovations and promote economic diversification. Data were collected from document research, stakeholder surveys, and interviews, indicating challenges including fragmented governance structures, resource constraints, and limited citizen engagement in innovation ecosystems. Drawing on comparative insights from other peripheral and more advanced smart region initiatives, this study highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships, active citizen participation, and context-specific governance strategies in achieving sustainable growth. While best practices provide valuable experiences, this study emphasizes the need for tailored solutions suited to each regional socioeconomic context.
- Charting the course: real‐world application of sustainability and innovation principles in the portuguese blue economy firmsPublication . Elston, Jennifer Nicole; Pinto, Hugo; Nogueira, CarlaThe blue economy has emerged as a key sector for linking sustainability and innovation, yet existing research has largely overlooked how firms operationalize these processes in practice. This study addresses that gap by asking: How do Portuguese blue economy firms embed sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) into their strategies, and what institutional conditions enable or constrain it? This study explores SOI through an analysis of five Portuguese firms. Adopting a qualitative approach, it employs semistructured interviews, supported by content comparison techniques and thematic coding. The findings indicate that stakeholder collaboration, circular economy principles, and renewable energy integration support sustainability performance, whereas financial constraints, regulatory inefficiencies, and bureaucratic hurdles limit broader adoption. Drawing on institutional theory, the resource-based view, and the triple bottom line framework, the study contributes theoretically by showing how SOI is negotiated between institutional pressures and firm capabilities, revealing tensions between compliance and strategic agency. The study underscores the importance of institutional support, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive business strategies in overcoming systemic barriers. These results provide practical direction for policymakers and business leaders, highlighting the need for streamlined regulation, targeted financial incentives, and cross-sector collaboration. For policymakers, this means aligning incentives with SME capacities and building collaborative governance platforms; for firms, it means leveraging partnerships and resource-based advantages to scale sustainable business models. By clarifying both institutional dynamics and firm-level practices, the article advances understanding of how sustainability transitions are enacted within the blue economy.