Adoption of energy-efficient technologies in German SMEs of the horticultural sector—the moderating role of personal and social factors

Many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could enhance energy efficiency and profits by investing in energy-efficient technology. Previous studies have identified various adoption factors and barriers related to energy-efficient technology. In our study, we understand the adoption of technolo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Energy efficiency 2016-06, Vol.9 (3), p.791-806
Main Authors:	Hertel, Manuel, Menrad, Klaus
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Analysis Cost control Decision making Economics and Management Energy Energy consumption Energy Efficiency Energy Policy Environment Environmental Economics Environmental policy Horticulture Investment policy Organizational behavior Original Article Productivity Renewable and Green Energy Small & medium sized enterprises-SME Statistical analysis Studies Sustainable Development Technology adoption
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Summary:	Many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could enhance energy efficiency and profits by investing in energy-efficient technology. Previous studies have identified various adoption factors and barriers related to energy-efficient technology. In our study, we understand the adoption of technology as a social process and put the decision-making manager in the focus of our research. Therefore, a manager’s attitude, the social environments, and possible adoption barriers are factors in the developed adoption model, which is tested empirically by using structural equation modeling and a dataset gained from a survey of energy-intensive horticultural companies in Germany. Thus, we do not regard self-reported technology adoption by managers, but use on-site observations in companies’ production processes to calculate the energy efficiency of the company. The results show the significant influence of a manager’s attitude and social environment on intention to adopt energy-efficient technology. However, there is no evidence for a correlation between the intended and real adoption of technology. This finding clearly discloses the gap between intention and behavior, which we explain based on external and internal obstacles. Altogether, the results stress the importance of personal and social factors in the adoption process of energy-efficient technology in SMEs of the horticultural sector.
ISSN:	1570-646X 1570-6478