Knowledge has many different characteristics and scholars in epistemology, economics and management have dealt with them ever since knowledge has emerged as the leading source of firms’ competitive advantages. New product development requires new ideas and new ideas are stemming from knowledge. Knowledge originates from tacit knowledge (Polanyi, 1964). Therefore, firms need to enact tacit knowledge (Wieck, 1977). Enactment takes different forms depending on the context of knowledge and organizational characteristics. The paper is an attempt to integrate knowledge creation theory and practices. The paper conducts an in depth literature review on the nature of knowledge and knowledge creation structure and investigates how The Dow Chemical Company uses a knowledge creation structure to elicit tacit knowledge and exploit knowledge for new product development. The Dow Chemical Company is known as one of the leading innovative firms in the world. We believe that this case enriches research on knowledge creation and new product development although it has limitations in generalizing its findings and practices. In solidifying the knowledge-based theory of the firm we need a multi-dimensional approach such as a survey, case study and theory development as Nonaka (1994) advocated. Design/methodology/approach – We propose an approach to investigate a practice of leading knowledge creating in terms of knowledge creation theories. The Dow Chemical Company is known for its innovation in new products and we use the example of knowledge creation in the Dow Chemical Company in the U.S. Originality/value – This mythology provides evidence of effects of knowledge creation structure on the outcomes of knowledge creation and new product development. Practical implications – Variations in structure of knowledge creation offer opportunities in selection of the market process. Investigating links between theories and practices will provide improvements in theories and practices. Therefore, this paper can offer opportunities for practitioners and theoreticians to improve practices and theories.

Purpose – The paper presents a thematic conceptualization of a Regional Entrepreneurial Learning Center, conceived as a catalyst of the knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship in the regions and a strategic asset for their growth in the scenario of the entrepreneurial economy (Thurik, 2008; Audresch and Thurik, 2001). Incardinated on the Knowledge Triangle and aimed to enhance, primarily, the social and economic valorization of the Key Enabling Technologies, the Center will promote the synergic integration between the universities, primary actors in the process of the knowledge creation, the companies, that allow the socio-economic valorization of the knowledge available through the innovation and entrepreneurial processes, and the governmental institutions, supporting their knowledge exchanges and knowledge valorization processes. Coherently with the emerging nature of the knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship as entrepreneurial learning process and inspired by the current debate on the innovation ecosystems, the Center will promote the development of continuous and dynamic entrepreneurial learning processes to create a young knowledge intensive entrepreneurs, the evolution of the Universities towards an entrepreneurial configuration, and to accelerate the diffusion of entrepreneurial behaviors and culture in all the regional organizations and institutions. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a constructive and qualitative review of the academic and policy-based existent literature on the issues related to the meaning and dynamics characterizing the knowledge economy as entrepreneurial economy, the knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship as technology-driven entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurial learning processes as main dimension of the entrepreneurship in the knowledge scenario. The theoretical background previously recalled addresses the conceptualization of the Regional Entrepreneurial Learning Center proposed by providing useful insights for determining its mission, processes, and strategies as well as to comprehend its meaning as booster of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship and source comparative advantage in the regions. Originality/value – The paper presents elements of originality under different perspectives. In particular, a first valuable element springs from its contribution to the current debate on the knowledge intensive entrepreneurship as core process for the social and economic growth of the regions starting from the valorization of the knowledge and the Key Enabling Technologies. The focus on the dynamic perspective of the entrepreneurial learning process is a further valuable contribution at the scientific debate on the comprehension of the meaning and instances of the behavioral implications on the entrepreneurship and its implications on the effectiveness of the process of knowledge creation, absorption and diffusion in innovation ecosystems. Practical implications – The practical implications provided by the paper are identifiable into the main areas in which the Center will focus on. In operating as catalyst for the diffusion of knowledge intensive entrepreneurship in the regions, the Center will impact on the growth of the knowledge intensive entrepreneurship in the young people, and the diffusion of entrepreneurial culture and behaviors within the organizations, institutions and Universities. Such practical implications result coherent with the objectives of the European Agenda for the Smart Specialization and the several initiatives launched for overcoming the European Paradox of low innovation capability.

Purpose – Effective knowledge management (KM) entails knowledge assessment capability to enable identification of knowledge assets and proper governance of value creation dynamics. Although some studies have attempted to use different methods to measure knowledge at the organisational level, few have addressed the individual knowledge holder. The purpose of this paper is to present a state-of-the-art framework, referred to as MinK, that enables organisations to measure individual knowledge in the business context using a novel diversity of indicators. Design/methodology/approach – The model was developed based on a comprehensive conceptual framework. A pilot study composed of 20 semi-structured interviews elicited valuable feedback from practitioners and was followed by a validation phase in which an electronic questionnaire is used to survey a large sample of senior managers. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature by presenting an innovative integrated individual knowledge measurement framework, and proposing a theoretical framework for the pivotal role of individuals in the organisational knowledge environment. Practical implications – The model provides mangers with a valuable tool capable of identifying knowledge holders and supporting effective KM decision making to achieve optimal organisational performance. Results showed that the MinK framework was also well received by industry and accepted as a valid framework.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show preliminary results from an international research project on intellectual capital and value creation led by Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland) In the case of this paper, results from Italy will be reported and specifically . The Italian analysis focuses on the Entrepreneurial Capital (EC) and it analyses how large Italian companies develop and enhance this intangible element. The main research question is: What is the current level of Entrepreneurial Capital (EC) in Italian organizations and how does it affect value creation? To this end, the research addressed the different definitions of entrepreneurial capital that literature offers. As a secondary step we analysed the variables suggested by previous literature and we proposed an original definition for our research project. Our definition is that Entrepreneurial Capital is a stock of competences and the personnels’ attributes related to proactive, risky and aggressive decision-making and behaviour. Design/methodology/approach –In most studies IC has been seen to consist of three elements: human capital, structural capital and relational capital. However, we suggest that also three other elements could be included: “renewal capital”, in terms of innovative solutions, products and services available for the firms, “trust capital” i.e. the trust embedded in its internal and external relationship and “entrepreneurial capital” i.e. the competence and commitment related to entrepreneurial activities in the organisation. These variables were operationalized through meetings of the international working group. An empirical survey follows which analyses the Italian state of art . In particular the target population is made up of Italian companies with 100 or more employees. The companies involved were selected among 2,000 companies chosen from the database AIDA according to a stratified sample (according to geographical area, sector of activity and size). A questionnaire has been applied in order to gather information. This questionnaire is the same for all the countries participating in the project and has been administered mainly by means of e-mail and phone interviews. 100 companies have answered the questionnaire so far and this number is expected to increase during the next month. Additional economic and financial ratios have been obtained from AIDA database, which contains economic and financial information for Italian firms. Descriptive analysis techniques will then be applied and differences according to industry and size will be explored. Originality/value – This research provides researchers and managers with unique insights into the evolutionary nature of the relationships between distinct IC variables and draws a picture on the state of art of corporate entrepreneurial capital in the selected sample. Practical implications – This research highlights and improves companies’ abilities to manage their entrepreneurial capital. Furthermore this research will set the agenda for improving the entrepreneurial capital practices of Italian companies and will allow future comparison with firms from other countries that are participating in the same project identifying different pathways to success.

Purpose – An intertemporal comparison of the value created by Intellectual capital cannot disregard the current prices realized on the market by individual companies, because, at the corporate level, a decrease in sales prices results in a decrease of the value created (Zappa, 1919; 1920–1929). On the contrary, in comparisons in constant prices, this decrease is not measured at macroeconomic level (Weil, 2007; OECD, 2001). The goal of this paper is to examine the different measures of the Value Added created by Intellectual capital at micro and macroeconomic level and the relationship between these measures and the Neoclassical Theory of Subjective Value (Menger, 1976; Robbins, 1945; Wieser, 1889–2006; Wicksell, 1898–2006; Fisher, 1892; 1911–2006). Design/methodology/approach – We present the theoretical and practical limits of the use of index numbers to express the value created in constant prices even in international comparisons (Fisher, 1911–2006). As stated by the Theory of the Subjective Value any quantity of the same good has a different value as a function of marginal utility (Marshall, 1890–2006); so the deflating by means of a price index, distorts the value attributed by the market at micro economic level to different goods. In this way, comparison to constant prices also modifies relative prices. Originality/value – The valuation at current prices implies a different theory of the value of goods and we have identified a Third Generation of Marginalism in Friedrich von Wieser, Knut Wicksell and Irving Fisher since they indicate the difference between subjective and objective value. Intertemporal comparison at macroeconomic level is conducted deflating value so to consider the variation of the purchasing power of money (ISTAT, 2011). But the separation of changes in quantity from changes in price implies several problems (Fisher, 1911–2006) and we use modified input-output analysis to quantify in current prices the Value Added and the production realized in the economic system. Practical implications – The international and intertemporal comparisons made by governments and by the statistical institutes via National Accountings, should be at current prices and at purchasing power parity, i.e. excluding the use of index numbers to deflate changes in production. The comparison at current prices would result in assessments of the contributions provided by the intellectual capital (VAIC) differ from those measured in constant prices and without indicating the net asset of the economic systems (GDP). It is therefore necessary that the comparison measures not only indicate the statistical model, but also the economic theory of reference.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to conduct a critical analysis of the importance in the twenty-first century presents a new approach to strategic management based on knowledge from the perspective, of resources and dynamic capabilities , as an explanation of the role critical that these intangible assets presented in today’s organizations from the implementation of a particular model of governance of existing knowledge on those, Grant (1996), Spender (1996), Bueno and Salvador (1996), Bueno et all (2006), to overcome the current economic crisis affecting many countries. areas and organizations in the global economy. Design/methodology/approach – We propose an approach work is carried out with a proposal for a study of exploratory character. Social responsibility and commitment to the ecosystem as a social strategy to assist in the socioeconomic development of the organizational environment and as a facilitator for its own sustainable development. Eljkington (1994), Bueno (2011), Leon (2011a), Leon (2011b), Parrish (2010). The exploratory analysis in the tourism sector and in hotel companies that compose it, as evidence of the importance of the new management approach considered, given the nature and character of the business model and its relation to environment performance of this industry and its companies. Bueno (2011). Originality/value – This methodology puts in evidence the methodology carried out will show that this knowledge based on their relationship to socioeconomic sustainability, its still emerging approach given its character by emergence time , requires more research efforts and empirical evidence, therefore work shows a value of exploratory character and originality evident within current approaches of strategic management and the knowledge economy, although it emergent. Por results will corroborate the formulated inductive approach, leading rebuttal to some of the guesswork exposed and organizations concerning the tourism sector. Practical implications – The outcomes of the application as indicated , regardless of the overall importance of an analysis of intangible assets and dynamic capabilities that facilitate sustainable economic development in organizations , especially the variables that make up the main concepts the capital of the same , focusing on corporate social responsibility and environmental commitment , stresses that the results are important for designing a management model oriented entity mentioned sustainable development based on existing knowledge in the same in their strategic application in the hotel industry, for example the Tourism sector as previously indicated.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a new paradigm for knowledge structure and understanding, based on the triple helix metaphor. This new perspective departures from the known-unknown paradigm based on the iceberg metaphor of explicit and tacit knowledge. Also, we would like to demonstrate the power of the new paradigm in promoting organization sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach – My approach is based on a metaphorical analysis of the knowledge concept, and on a theoretical construct based on a new perspective. Cognitive science demonstrated that our thinking and understanding of the real world is based on conceptual metaphors. Knowledge has no referent in the real world and requires metaphors to be conceptualized, defined and used. Today, the most frequently used metaphors are the following: knowledge as a resource, knowledge as flow, and knowledge as an iceberg. These metaphors are based on rational knowledge and Newtonian thinking. The new paradigm is based on the metaphor knowledge as energy, and on thermodynamics. Originality/value – This new paradigm is much more powerful than the previous ones since it allows transformations of different forms of knowledge into other forms of knowledge in an interactive way. The construct of the triple helix of knowledge is not just an extension of the iceberg model but it represents a completely new vision. The new paradigm has got an increased practical value since it correlates better with the knowledge management and leadership, and as a consequence, with the sustainable development of organizations. Practical implications – Since the known-unknown paradigm focuses on rational knowledge, it is best suited for managers in their decision making. Leadership implies not only rational knowledge but also emotional knowledge and spiritual knowledge, and thus it correlates much better with the new construct of the triple helix than the iceberg model. Also, organizational culture is based mostly on emotional and spiritual knowledge and its role in promoting sustainability can be better understood by using the new model of the triple helix of knowledge.

Purpose – In this paper, we are interested in the knowledge that is “wasted” in organizations, that is existing relevant knowledge that is overlooked in the process of knowledge conversion. Given the competitive pressure firms are facing in today´s business environment, a waste of knowledge is not only costly but also dangerous. This means that we consider knowledge from a knowledge at risk perspective. Having this in mind, the purpose of this paper is to review research on knowledge waste in organizations to establish our current body of knowledge regarding this topic. Design/methodology/approach– The study consists of a systematic review of 77 peer-reviewed articles addressing knowledge waste in organizations. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no systematic literature review on this topic has previously been published or presented. Practical implications– The topic seems to be a promising field for intensive research and offers a variety of future research avenues. In view of practitioners, the study´s finding may enable an increased awareness towards the areas where existing knowledge is at the mercy of “waste”. This can assist practitioners to better cope with risks related to this waste and, therefore, better exploit the (limited) knowledge base available.

The transition from an economy based on production towards a knowledge-based economy has highlighted the crucial role of Intellectual Capital (IC) in the firm’s financial performance. Intellectual Capital is a business resource that includes know-how, patents, internal and external relationships. IC is widely acknowledged as one of the most critical resources which organizations rely on to improve their efficacy and efficiency, and hence help to improve the value creation and competitive advantage (de Pablos, 2003). There are several empirical studies that examined the quantity and the nature of IC information disclosure in annual reports in different industries and countries (Guthrie and Petty, 2000; Olsson, 2001; Brennan, 2001; Bontis, 2003; Bozzolan et al., 2003, 2006; Abeysekera and Guthrie, 2005), but few studies have analyzed the ICD in the financial sector. The choice to focus on the banking sector is linked primarily to the fact that it represents an interesting stream as these companies fall under high-intensive IC, just thinking of the use of highly specialized human resources in the economic and financial field. This study aims to analyze the nature and extent of information on intellectual capital in the sustainability reports of companies belonging to the banking industry with two main purposes: to observe a sector often set aside despite its important role in the economy and to reply to the growing demand for longitudinal analysis in the field of intellectual capital (Mention, 2011). The first objective is achieved by identifying the presence or absence of information on intellectual capital in the sustainability reports; while the extension (number of times of calling an item) of disclosure has measured with the frequency of reporting an item within the report with reference to a single banking institute. The second purpose of the paper is achieved by taking into account two years, 2006 and 2012. The industry in which the analysis is conducted is peculiar in that it is a knowledge-intensive industry that has undergone deep changes over the last decade, who have given more importance to intellectual capital as a resource source of value and competitive advantage. The empirical analysis is carried out by analyzing the social reporting of the listed banks on the Milan Stock Exchange through the content analysis for the years 2006 and 2012, in order to capture the effect of Basel II on the level of corporate information. Design/methodology/approach – The content analysis is used to examine the level of Intellectual capital disclosure in the sustainability reports. The empirical data were drawn from of Italian listed companies that operate in financial sector in years 2006 and 2012. Originality/value – This research expands on previous studies of voluntary intellectual capital disclosure (ICD), as it is the first study that focuses on measuring intellectual capital using the content analysis and an IC index in the banking sector. Practical implications – This study helps management identify relevant intellectual capital elements to disclose.

Purpose – The purpose of our study is to investigate whether companies with higher voluntary IC disclosure are more likely to have a MBV gap larger than one, after controlling for the intellectual efficiency of the firms. Additionally, we aim to investigate – for the first time to our best knowledge – on the effectiveness of voluntary IC disclosure in improving the market valuation process, by testing the effects of additional IC information on the gap between market value and intrinsic value of firms characterized by higher incidence of IC components (mostly non-recognized on balance sheet). Design/methodology/approach – The empirical analysis is based on non-financial companies that are listed on the Milan Stock Exchange throughout the period from 2008 to 2011. To compute the extent of IC disclosure provided by companies, we build three IC indexes which consider specific IC categories: the internal structure, external structure and human capital (Guthrie and Petty, 2000b). In order to measure the corporate IC components, we follow the Pulic’s approach (Pulic, 2000a,b), by calculating the VAIC and its three components: capital employed efficiency (VACA), the human capital efficiency (VAHU), and the structural capital efficiency (STVA), respectively. To estimate the intrinsic value of firm, we follow the Ohlson (1995) and Frankel and Lee (1996) approaches, by using the analysts’ earnings forecasts as applied by Barth et al. (1998). Originality/value – This study contributes to the extant literature on the role of IC information for the efficiency of financial markets in two respects: by enhancing the understanding on the important role of information concerning internal structure of IC in the market valuation process; by testing – trough a new analysis approach – the supposed greater accuracy of market valuation process in presence of higher information transparency. The investors’ assessment is much more accurate as the market value reflects the intrinsic value of the firm. Therefore, this approach checks on the effectiveness of corporate IC voluntary disclosure in improving the accuracy of investors’ assessment, by testing whether firms with an intrinsic value more than book value which are characterized by higher incidence of IC components are more likely to have a MBV larger than one, when they disseminate more information on IC resources. Practical implications – This study has practical implications for various parties, such as investors and other stakeholders. It gives evidence on the important role played by voluntary IC disclosure in reducing information asymmetries between the internal and external parties’ valuation of companies, primarily increasing the information held by agents in the investment community. This, in particular, in an institutional setting like Italy characterized by companies with dominant shareholders, where the information asymmetries exacerbate the agency conflicts between dominant (controlling) shareholder and minority shareholders. Moreover, the findings contribute to shed light on the effectiveness and determinant role of voluntary IC disclosure practices (in annual reports) in improving the market assessment of high tech companies, thus reducing the possibilities of underestimation of their (more hidden) value creation drivers This paper aims to explore the significance of intellectual capital (intangible assets) to firm performance in the context of professional football clubs. Specifically, it investigates whether the efficiency of intangible assets investments affect positively the sporting performance in a sample of Italian top-tier football clubs. The conceptual and analytical model underlying this study is the VAIC (Value Added Intellectual Coefficient) model pioneered by Pulic (1999; 2000a,b) which is intended to measure the extent to which firms create added value based on intellectual capital efficiency (ICE).

Purpose. Through adaptations to the VAIC model, this paper aims to: 1) provide indicators suitable to measure ICE in the professional football sector; 2) to investigate empirically whether the efficiency of intangible assets investments (as measured by these indicators) is positively associated to sporting performance. Design/methodology/approach – This paper performs a quantitative analysis based on the statistical technique known as mixed-effects linear regression for longitudinal analysis. The analysis covers a time period of five years and specifically the sporting seasons from 2007 to 2012. Pratical Implications – The results from this study provides tentative evidence that intellectual capital efficiency is positively associated to sporting performance. To football club managers it stands to suggest that importance of ongoing investments in human capital and the need to nurture positive relationship with external stakeholders. Originality/value.. To our knowledge studies of the kind in the professional football sector are in actual short supply.

Purpose – The recent increase in patenting by European and American university researchers has raised concerns by observers asking whether increased patenting is associated with less open publication of their research results. This leads us to examine if the propensity to academic patenting would affect publication of scientific research results and, therefore, cause a lower diffusion of knowledge resources; or, conversely, if it could improve academic performances by increasing quantity and quality of scientific publications. Design/methodology/approach – We propose a quantitative approach through which we aim to test whether academic researchers who both publish and patent are less productive than their peers who concentrate exclusively on scholarly publication in order to communicate their research results. More specifically, by using the statistical model of comparison between sample means ̶ we analyse if the average number of academic inventors publications is lower than those of non-academic ones. We use a panel dataset comprising Italian academic researchers who have obtained the National Scientific Qualification as full professor in the sector “02/B3 ̶ Applied Physics”, in the session 2012. Originality/value – With regard to the relationship between patenting and publishing by university researchers there is not an unanimous doctrinal orientation. Additionally, there is only limited empirical evidence regarding the correlation between these two variables. Our study contributes to the existing literature by supporting the thesis according to which the open publication of university research results is not inhibited by patenting by university faculty members. Practical implications – The outcomes of the application suggest that it would appear appropriate to encourage a greater use of patents by university researchers. It would seem, in fact, that ̶ thanks to the financial support to academic research and, in general, to the incentives arising from contact with industry ̶ the development of industrial applications is likely to produce an additional stream of results, which are relevant also in the eyes of the scientific community. These observations allow us to assert that patents could be recognized as efficient indicators of knowledge production.

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to examine the relationship between some aspects of governance (such as ownership structure and characteristics of the board), the efficiency of intellectual capital and the economic and market performance of a sample of Italian listed companies. Design/methodology/approach – This study investigates a sample of forty Italian listed companies during the period 2002-2012, whose shareholder weight is equal to approximately 50 percent of the total market capitalization. In particular, through regression analysis there will be an examination of the relationship between economic and market performance and the efficiency of intellectual capital, the characteristics of the board and the ownership structure of the companies investigated. In addition, a few control variables (debt ratio, size, industry and firm age) will be used to measure the impact on the regression analysis. Originality/value – This methodology highlights both the relationship between the efficiency of intellectual capital and the performance of firms and the influence that the governing body can have on the efficiency of intellectual capital. The research on the one hand extends the existing literature on some aspects of corporate governance and intellectual capital; on the other hand it aims to test the importance of the ownership structure and the characteristics of the board of directors as a means of creating value in firms. Practical implications – The outcome of the application, in addition to enhancing knowledge on the relationship between ownership structures, the characteristics of the board, the efficiency of intellectual capital and business performance, intends to determine if the board of Italian listed companies affects the determination of business results and the management of intellectual capital. Moreover, the results could be useful both for policy makers in order to regulate the size of the boards and their independence with respect to the ownership, and also for enterprises in determining compensation and benefits.

Purpose – We want to analyse how knowledge can favour growth through open and social innovation models (Chesbrough, 2003, Komninos et al., 2011). In particular we focus on smart cities, realized to identify “innovative solutions to city management” (Toppeta, 2010), in order to underline how they can support sustainability (Tanguay et al., 2010). We start examining the smart growth, focusing on the inputs induced by smart cities policies. Then we analyse the firms, searching for the motivations (Ardichvili et al., 2003) of their establishment in smart territories and finally we underline the role of knowledge sharing between firms and local actors. Methodology – We conduct a case studies analysis (Yin, 2003) aiming to compare different urban contexts and define the issues emerging from literature review in line with our purpose. Case studies approach is suitable when studying knowledge in contexts definable as similar (Davenport, 1997). Moreover we have chosen to investigate three smart projects classified on the basis of their dimension as city (Malta), corridor (Manchester), and district (Barcelona). Furthermore we have selected the empirical evidences taking into account the project leader, as we have a joint venture (Malta), a pool of local agencies (Manchester), and an in-house company public owned (Barcelona). Originality/value – This research sheds some new light on the role of knowledge in smart cities as knowledge is not commonly considered as an autonomous and relevant feature. This lack of consideration is confirmed when analysing smart cities’ models and platforms (Bifulco et al., 2014), but just as embedded in (and carried by) actors (Lombardi et al., 2011), hence it is often hidden behind other aspects. In our research we underline its relevance in smart projects and we describe as it can be considered as a priority to set up a fertile ground for smartization and sustainability through social innovation. Practical implications – Our results enhance the approach to knowledge when proposing social innovation initiatives: the project leaders involved in smart projects can read through different lens the prevailing models to leverage on knowledge (Dhanaraj and Parkhe, 2006) in order to reach sustainability aims. This knowledge-centred approach can favour the mixing and circulation of several sources of knowledge (Anttiroiko et al., 2013). Moreover the creation of new knowledge can favour participation from the different urban actors (Paskaleva-Shapira and Barroca, 2012). Finally the focus on sustainability through knowledge management can be a stimulus to the location of firms in a specific territory (Porter, 2000).

The growing attention toward sustainability report pushed companies, private and public as well, to adopt instruments able to rate sustainability and environmental impact. Many tools can be used to evaluate social communication but the sustainability report is the most complete to explore, measure, understand and communicate the results under this aspect. Through the sustainability report is possible to supply a balanced vision of the sustainability performance of an organization and to understand all the positive and negative effects generated running the activity. To report the activity NPOs as well, has to disclose results and their connection with the surrounding community as social, environmental and economic impact. The voluntary disclosure of Triple Bottom Line information through proper tools, as the sustainability report, The sector vision of the environmental and social report, differently from the sustainability report, does not allow a complete disclosure on social and environmental activity carried on by the companies. Consequently is not fully represented the impact of these activities on the community. Nowadays NPOs use framework, which partially represent the sustainability activities. NPOs as well as for profit organizations have to introduce new reports keen to fill the information necessity of the stakeholders Purpose – The research tries to build a NPOs’ sustainability report able to disclose economic, environmental impact, through a set of relevant indicators Design/methodology/approach –after a review of the existing literature, the research aims to build a sustainability report for NPOs through a set of economic, environmental and social indicators based on best international practice and in line GBS (Gruppo di studio per il Bilancio Sociale) principles and GRI (Global Reporting Initiative). Then the report will be applied to a voluntary service center (CSV) which contains, for its function and organization, in a wide range, all the environmental variables, social and economic, to be monitored in any NPOs Originality/value – a new sustainability report for the Italian and European NPOs built on the above set of indicators shows the sustainability level reached by the two NPOs and their social impact on the surrounding community. Practical implications –The findings app ear to suggest an innovative model of sustainability report for NPOs with a significative set of indicators which offer a new disclosure of the activity carried on by the organization. Limit: the work is tested only on a limited number of NPOs which can be extended in the future. Then, as there are many entities similar to CSV around Europe, is necessary also to implement the model in other countries.

Purpose – Show the prospective methodology as a tool to generate strategic knowledge for the design of sustainable futures. Design/methodology/approach – Prospective Strategic is a Social Science discipline dedicate to explore the future. Based on qualitative methods whit participative stakeholders’ permits design different future options and planning the transformation from actual scenario to desired future. We propose a four stages methodology process for the design sustainable futures: first understanding the context, followed by a strategic visualization, to continue the stage design the alternative sceneries and define the desired future, and finally concludes planning its construction. Originality/value – This methodology puts in evidence the possibility of seeking alternative scenarios for a sustainable future in different ambits. Particularly we resume three prospective applications: biodiversity conservations and treatments water. Practical implications – The outcomes of the application have been allowed to propose strategies and policies for environmental goods management such as environmental services and reuse water, with a long time vision based on a collective desiderated future.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the context of knowledge management as an important pillar for many business companies to reach sustainable outcomes. Particularly, we explore the field of knowledge management and supply chain management linked to the achievement of sustainable performance. As a sustainable variable, knowledge may positively affect the relationship between supply chain structure and performance. Design/methodology/approach – Knowledge Management has become increasingly important among researchers because of its importance as a variable of strategic performance. Its implementation within a strategic perspective may drive firms to successful goals. On the other hand, Supply Chain Management has reached a peak as a research topic and researchers have focused their studies on linking it to the concept of sustainability. Knowledge Management may be seen as a factor to ensure sustainability in supply chain because it is considered a fundamental key point for the achievement of social, environmental and financial goals. Starting from a broad literature review, we build a conceptual framework that links the concept of Knowledge Management, Supply Chain Management and Sustainability, and underlines the implementation of knowledge resources within a supply chain structure (i.e. a supply chain strategy oriented to efficient or responsive goals) as a driver to improve performance in sustainable terms. We propose an empirical approach based on a set of 220 worldwide firms operating as retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. By a regression linear model, we explain this positive relationship between knowledge management and social, environmental and economic performance. Originality/value – This methodology puts in evidence that knowledge resources oriented to the concept of sustainability may address business companies to improve their supply chain operations and performance. Therefore, supply chain companies may structure their strategic orientation to better achieve social, environmental and economic outcomes. Practical implications – The outcomes of the application explain knowledge management as a supply chain key factor to create a competitive sustainable advantage. In so doing, we aim at guiding supply chains towards social, environmental and economic performance through the integration of Knowledge Management within their strategic decisions.

Purpose – Recent years have been characterized by a growing interest toward sustainability issues. In fact, themes such as a more efficient use of the energy resources have taken a central role in the debate on energy policies of developed countries. In particular, it has been demonstrated that energy efficiency in residential buildings is one of the keys to reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse emissions. In this work, we propose an innovative system for monitoring and managing energy consumption in “Smart Home Environments” (SHEs), according to the needs of users and to the particular state conditions of the considered environment. Design/methodology/approach – The paper focuses on a methodological approach to design a SHE based on the following steps: – Identify and apply technological solutions to provide additional intelligence and connectivity services to existing heterogeneous home devices. – Define an architecture of SHE, supported by a centralized management system featuring a smart Central Control Unit (CCU) and different peripheral devices of sensing and actuating. – Define a data management model in order to handle machine-to-machine and machine-to-human interactions. – Define a set of decision algorithms and interoperability rules to perform energy-control services, basing on quantitative forecasting methodologies for analysis of historical data. Originality/value – Different approaches to the design of SHEs are emerging in literature, emphasizing the importance of such a type of applications as a mean to guarantee energy and cost saving. However, most of these approaches are essentially focused on the technological issues, relying primarily on the architectural characteristics of the Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS). In this work, we intend to highlight how a knowledge-based management model can support the design of innovative HEMSs, providing the energy performance improvements of the considered environment and the adaptability to the user’s habits and needs. Practical implications – In line with the goals of Europe 2020 strategy, energy resource saving represent a key issue for sustainable development. Among the various technological solutions for reducing energy consumption in home environments, the so called “Building Automation and Control Systems” (BACS) represent high performance and low impact solutions for energy efficiency. In this context, the proposed system, whose development is ongoing, offers in prospect the opportunity to improve the energy performance and electricity cost saving of residential buildings, featuring at the same time a low architectural impact due to the use of wireless and/or powerline technologies.

Introduction. Even though “crowdfunding” can be seen as a relatively recent phenomenon (especially in Italy), it has nonetheless been the subject of numerous studies, especially in recent years. We believe, however, that these studies have not provided a comprehensive examination of the phenomenon (Belleflamme et al. 2011; Lambert and Schwienbacher 2010). So, it might be posited that the existing literature has only provided a description of the main and most general characteristics of crowdfunding, which is a vast and often many-sided phenomenon. Substantial areas of research and important aspects still remain to be covered. Even if it is now commonly held to represent an autonomous phenomenon (Mollick, 2013), the most common and well-known definition of crowdfunding refer to the phenomena of crowdsourcing (Poetz and Schreier, 2012) and microfinance (Morduch, 1999). More specifically, according to a wide number of authors (Larralde and Schwienbacher, 2010), crowdfunding can be analyzed as a category of the wider ‘crowdsourcing phenomenon’.Analyzing the studies that have been achieved so far, it does not emerge clearly what could be the contribution on the territory and on the community, in terms of social, environmental and economic sustainability, that crowdfunding cause through its fundraising activities and the subsequent projects financing. Too often the phenomenon of “crowdfunding” is limited as a new business model, exclusively aimed to achieve profits, without considering its potential as a mean of fundraising for the growth and development of the territory and the community. Aim of the research. The aim of the research is to examine some Italian crowdfunding projects in order to assess the sustainability of the value-creating model for the community.

Purpose – The goal of the paper is to clarify the concept of social innovation, by assuming a compact working definition of social innovation, which keeps its key elements, and providing a tool to understand which actors intervene in the process, in which phase, and according to which driver. Design/methodology/approach – Following the example of Dangelico and Pontrandolfo (2010), who developed the Green Option Matrix to characterize green products and practices, we propose a three-dimensional matrix called Social Option Matrix (SOM): its dimensions correspond to feature of social innovation mentioned by the literature, and the attendant cells represent the possible combinations of the values assumed by the dimensions. Finally, we populate the cells of the SOM by 25 real instances of social innovations discussed in the extant literature. Originality/value – The paper provides a tool to investigate those aspects raised by the scholars which needs deeper search. Moreover, by observing the population of each cell of the matrix, the tool can be used to investigate the existence of patterns in the distribution of the instances and to analyse whether other variables, besides the dimensions of analysis, generate specific patterns. Practical implications – Beside the theoretical implications (i.e. to make the concept of social innovation clearer and narrower), the identification of eventual patterns can be useful for practitioners. The actors involved in the development of social innovations, indeed, can adopt the SOM to better understand what a social innovation is as well as to increase their awareness on what they (can) do with respect to social innovation, and to improve communication towards stakeholders.