Towards Implementing Sustainability-oriented Innovation into Companies : An Analysis of Industry-University Collaborations in the Fashion Sector

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how to release the potential of industry-university collaborations promoting sustainability-oriented innovation by analyzing the projects between the University of Borås and the Swedish fashion industry. As a result, it is the aim to develop a model which increases the effectiveness of these project collaborations and thus drives forward sustainability-oriented innovations in order to increase sustainable development within universities and companies. In the scope of this model, factors are identified, which if managed correctly, increase the probability of the collaboration. The outcome is a good practice model for successful industry-university research collaborations. Methodology This research follows a qualitative approach, including abductive reasoning. Therefore, a comprehensive literature review is conducted, delivering the basis for semi-structured interviews which provide empirical data. The results of the interviews are coded according to a template discussion, analyzing frequently used words and phrases resulting into focus areas for this research. Findings The results show that the sustainability-oriented innovation projects promote the companies’ strategic sustainable development on a long-term perspective. The industry and the university receive comprehensive knowledge which is created through synergy effects. The investigation discovered that the main driver for industry and university is the development of new sustainability-oriented innovative business models and the obtaining of new valuable knowledge. Out of the findings, a model could be created, presenting factors found to have significant impact on the success of the projects. Contribution This thesis contributes to academia as well as industry by developing a framework for the release of the potential beneficial impact of industry-university collaborations on strategic sustainable development. Further, the findings support and encourage the collaborative work between the fashion industry and universities towards sustainable development in Sweden. Thereby, this thesis supports the interconnection of different sectors by bundling their capabilities and knowledge to create innovation and progress in society.