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Innovation in the solid waste management industry: Integrating neoclassical and complexity theory perspectives.
G L Gaeta1, S Ghinoi2, F Silvestri3
1Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Naples L'Orientale, Italy.
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|December 6, 2020
Summary
This study explores innovation in solid waste management (SWM), moving beyond disposal processes. It integrates neoclassical and complexity theories to analyze diverse SWM systems and their innovations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Innovation Studies
- Economics
Background:
- The solid waste management (SWM) industry is increasingly focused on innovation.
- Current analyses often concentrate on process innovations in disposal, overlooking product and organizational innovations in other SWM segments.
- Existing economic frameworks for eco-innovation lack specificity for the unique SWM sector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for analyzing innovation across all segments of the SWM industry.
- To integrate traditional neoclassical economic approaches with complexity theory for a broader perspective.
- To examine innovation from both market/firm and social viewpoints within SWM.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing complexity theory to complement the neoclassical approach.
- Analyzing innovation within different segments of the SWM industry.
- Outlining four distinct typologies of solid waste market systems based on innovation patterns.
Main Results:
- Identified four main typologies of solid waste market systems: traditional landfill-oriented, waste-to-energy, light recycling, and hard recycling.
- Demonstrated the applicability of complexity theory in analyzing SWM innovation.
- Highlighted the need to consider diverse innovation types (product, process, organizational) across SWM segments.
Conclusions:
- A combined neoclassical and complexity theory framework provides a more holistic understanding of SWM innovation.
- Recognizing different SWM system typologies is crucial for targeted innovation strategies.
- Further research should explore the specific drivers and impacts of innovation in each SWM segment.
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