Discursive Innovation Studies: Sustainability and Responsibility (Emerald Studies in Sustainable Business Development)

Discursive Innovation Studies delves into the pivotal role of language and discourse in shaping how society and organisations conceptualize and institutionalize innovation management. This contributed volume applies discursive institutionalism to explore how societal goals of responsibility and sustainability intersect—and often clash—with corporate logics centred on profit and growth. Through a discourse-centred lens, the book examines how competing narratives reshape institutions, providing a deeper understanding of the tensions between ethics and economics in the pursuit of innovation.

Bringing together contributions from leading scholars, this volume addresses critical questions about the language of sustainability and responsibility in business, government, and academia. It investigates how discourse legitimizes practices, navigates regulatory landscapes, and shapes the rhetorical strategies of key actors in the field. By focusing on discourse as a driver of organisational change, the authors offer both theoretical and practical insights into bridging societal priorities with corporate imperatives. Essential for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, it provides a comprehensive exploration of discursive approaches to responsible and sustainable innovation.