The relationship between green supply chain and green innovation based on the push of green strategic alliances

Abstract This article aims to examine the influence of green strategic alliances (GSA) on both green radical and incremental innovation through the effects of green supply chain integration (GSCI). A theoretical model was proposed and evaluated using structural equation modeling. A 37‐item questionnaire was created to assess the proposed relationships, and a total of 303 valid responses were obtained from a sample of industrial and service companies in China. The findings indicate that GSA have a positive impact on GSCI, and thus, on both green radical and green incremental innovation. This study also explores the role of strategic alliances in corporate green innovation, and how members of alliances can benefit from superior green innovation through shared value creation. The authors innovatively adopt the frameworks of value creation and stakeholder theory to explain how supply chain (knowledge, technology, and processes) can aid firms in achieving green radical and incremental innovation.