The challenge of green innovation in family businesses

The growing diffusion of green policies also characterizes the green innovation context of family businesses,
which, from a long-term perspective, are characterized by a greater focus on stakeholders and environmental
protection. This paper aims to understand the potential influence of socio-emotional and identity-related aspects
on green innovation in family businesses, understood as a challenge, compared to non-family businesses.
After defining some theoretical profiles, a literature review and a survey have been conducted using a
questionnaire addressed to the businesses. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been performed using the data
collected through the questionnaire to verify the existence of a relationship between socio-emotional or identityrelated
aspects and family or non-family businesses.
The results confirmed the existence of such a relationship within the sample examined, with the sole exception of
historical heritage assets. The paper has therefore contributed to the development of research in the sector on a
still little-explored topic.