The management of innovation by frontrunner companies in environmental management and health and safety

A European case study on the relationships of environmental management and health and safety with an emphasis on innovation and organisational learning in five European frontrunner companies was carried out. Three major factors are regarded as essential conditions for the realisation of innovations: the willingness and capability of the company and the availability of relevant opportunities. This project focuses on the willingness and capability for innovation. The willingness to innovate is increased by increased financial profitability, manager’s awareness of strategic importance of environmental management, well defined qualitative aims and quantitative targets, striving towards continuous improvement, the creation of new business opportunities, the involvement of R&D, improved product design, striving towards improvement in the material and energy efficiency and proven successes in this area, and improved employee motivation. The capabilities for innovation are increased by visible management commitment, a corporate culture aiming at continuous improvement in all respects (TQM), cross functional co‐operation, EHS training and qualification programmes, networking with other companies or sites, stimuli for initiatives from employees, monitoring progress in behavioural aspects, and participation and improved employee involvement. Then three aspects are discussed: the different focuses in environmental (or EHS) management; the vital contribution of the cultural aspect; the growing meaning of the “softer” aspects of EHS Management. Finally the limitations of this study are discussed.