Waves of innovation: the role of sustainability in driving impact in the blue economy – a PLS-SEM approach

Elston, Jennifer Nicole; Pinto, Hugo; Nogueira, Carla

Publication

Waves of innovation: the role of sustainability in driving impact in the blue economy – a PLS-SEM approach

2026-01Journal article

dc.contributor.author	Elston, Jennifer Nicole
dc.contributor.author	Pinto, Hugo
dc.contributor.author	Nogueira, Carla
dc.date.accessioned	2025-10-01T10:20:03Z
dc.date.available	2025-10-01T10:20:03Z
dc.date.issued	2026-01
dc.description.abstract	The 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.	eng
dc.description.sponsorship	CEEC—INST/00052/2021/CP2792/CT0001
dc.identifier.doi	10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106902
dc.identifier.issn	0308-597X
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/27769
dc.language.iso	eng
dc.peerreviewed	yes
dc.publisher	Elsevier
dc.relation	Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being
dc.relation.ispartof	Marine Policy
dc.rights.uri	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.subject	Blue Economy
dc.subject	Innovation
dc.subject	Sustainability
dc.subject	Economic Impact
dc.subject	Social Impact
dc.subject	Environmental Impact
dc.title	Waves of innovation: the role of sustainability in driving impact in the blue economy – a PLS-SEM approach	eng
dc.type	journal article
dspace.entity.type	Publication
oaire.awardTitle	Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being
oaire.awardURI	info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/6817 - DCRRNI ID/UIDB%2F04020%2F2020/PT
oaire.citation.startPage	106902
oaire.citation.title	Marine Policy
oaire.citation.volume	183
oaire.fundingStream	6817 - DCRRNI ID
oaire.version	http://purl.org/coar/version/c_970fb48d4fbd8a85
person.familyName	Elston
person.familyName	Pinto
person.familyName	Nogueira
person.givenName	Jennifer Nicole
person.givenName	Hugo
person.givenName	Carla
person.identifier.ciencia-id	FA17-8863-83CB
person.identifier.ciencia-id	1510-E2AE-B8D8
person.identifier.ciencia-id	FE1D-99C6-8B73
person.identifier.orcid	0009-0000-7500-5111
person.identifier.orcid	0000-0002-8497-4798
person.identifier.orcid	0000-0002-1781-9675
person.identifier.rid	A-1578-2018
person.identifier.scopus-author-id	24759415100
project.funder.identifier	http://doi.org/10.13039/501100001871
project.funder.name	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
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