Sustainable Product Innovation and Institutional Awareness in Ready-Made Garments Firms

This study employs a case study approach to examine Ready-Made Garments (RMG) companies in Bangladesh, focusing on institutional awareness and practices that drive sustainable product innovation. The theoretical framework integrates Institutional Theory, Strategic Life Cycle Management (SLCM), and Template for Sustainable Product Development (TSPD) to systematically link external pressures, organizational awareness, and transformative leadership with innovation processes. This study examines the challenges faced by RMG firms in developing nations, such as Bangladesh, in integrating sustainability into their product innovation processes. Additionally, the research aims to identify the forces driving sustainable product development and how institutional leadership can promote transformative change towards sustainability within the RMG industry. Data collection methods include key informant interviews and focus group discussions with industry leaders. Additionally, product development tools are utilized to assess sustainability gaps and formulate actionable recommendations for incorporating sustainability into product innovation. The study reveals that institutional awareness and practices serve as critical drivers for sustainable product innovation. It highlights significant sustainability gaps in current operations and emphasizes the role of institutional leadership in addressing these challenges. The findings suggest that RMG firms can leverage institutional support and leadership commitment to promote revolutionary shifts toward sustainable development. This research contributes to the limited literature on sustainable product innovation within the RMG industry, particularly in the context of developing economies like Bangladesh. By analyzing the role of institutions and leadership in fostering sustainability, the study offers practical insights and recommendations for driving sustainable product innovation across the RMG industry.