In the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is quietly leading an industrial transformation that could redefine sustainability in emerging economies. A groundbreaking study published in *Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain* reveals a novel framework that integrates eco-innovation (EI) and green supply chain management (GSCM), offering a roadmap for industries constrained by limited resources and institutional frameworks.
The research, led by Lana Freihat from Brunel University of London, tackles three core challenges: the lack of context-specific theories for EI integration within GSCM, the scarcity of empirical insights into sustainability implementation in Middle Eastern industries, and the missing link between organizational practices and progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Freihat and her team introduce a mixed-methods design that combines a PRISMA-based literature review with a case study, providing both breadth and depth. This approach has led to the first validated measurement framework for EI–GSCM integration in the Middle East. “Our study offers a practical framework that can be adopted by industries in emerging economies to enhance their sustainability efforts,” Freihat explains.
The research also presents a theoretical model that combines Resource-Based View, Institutional Theory, and Diffusion of Innovation Theory to explain implementation under constraints. This model is particularly relevant for the agriculture sector, where resource constraints are often a significant barrier to adopting sustainable practices.
One of the key insights from the study is the importance of green procurement as a starting point for sustainability initiatives. The research found that 78% of the industries surveyed had adopted green procurement practices. Additionally, Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) was identified as a vital mediator in the implementation process, with a correlation coefficient of 0.399.
The study also highlights the need for integrated, not sequential, implementation of sustainability practices. Total Quality Environmental Management was found to be a strong secondary approach, with 65% of industries adopting this practice. The research further introduces an SDG-mapping method that directly links SD practices to specific SDG targets, providing a clear pathway for industries to contribute to global sustainability goals.
The commercial impacts for the agriculture sector are significant. By adopting the framework proposed in this study, agricultural businesses can enhance their sustainability efforts, reduce their environmental footprint, and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. This can lead to improved brand reputation, increased customer loyalty, and access to new markets that prioritize sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, Freihat suggests that future research should explore emerging eco-technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and smart irrigation systems to enhance sustainability performance. “These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach sustainability in the agriculture sector,” she notes.
This study is a significant step forward in the field of sustainability, offering practical frameworks and advancing sustainable supply chain transformation. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, the insights from this research could not be more timely.