Deciphering the role of institutional pressures in shaping environmental innovations: a qualitative inquiry into Ugandan manufacturing firms

Purpose This study aims to explore how institutional pressures shape environmental innovations (EIs) in Ugandan manufacturing firms, advancing the discourse on institutional theory and sustainability transitions in emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative inquiry was conducted through in-depth interviews with managers from 12 manufacturing firms in Uganda. Using a rigorous thematic analysis, the study uncovers and critically examines the mechanisms through which institutional pressures drive the adoption and implementation of EIs. Findings The study reveals that coercive, mimetic and normative pressures – arising from government regulations, stakeholder expectations and industry norms – play a pivotal role in shaping EIs. It also highlights the interplay between these pressures, demonstrating how firms navigate regulatory demands, competitive dynamics and sustainability imperatives within a resource-constrained environment. Research limitations/implications Given its qualitative design and focus on twelve Ugandan firms, the findings are context-specific and may not be fully generalizable to other regions. Future research with larger, cross-country samples could further validate and refine these insights. Practical implications The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry associations and manufacturing firms aiming to foster EIs. Policymakers can leverage these insights to design more effective regulatory frameworks, while firms can develop adaptive strategies to align with institutional expectations. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by extending institutional theory to the context of EIs in emerging economies. By adopting a phenomenological lens, it captures the lived experiences of manufacturing firms navigating institutional pressures, offering a nuanced understanding of how firms respond to sustainability challenges in developing economies.