The impact of big data analytics on social and environmental innovation

Purpose Not only is paying attention to the environment the responsibility of all people, but organizations and businesses should also consider their environmental behavior. Advances in various industries and the use of new technologies have changed business activities and processes. Therefore, the role of using disruptive technologies on the environment and the performance of organizations is important for achieving sustainability. Big data analytics (BDA) is one of the important and widely used tools in organizational decisions. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of using BDA on environmental innovation and corporate performance. Design/methodology/approach The research was an applied survey. Considering the environmental challenges, such as the water crisis and the oil-based economy, in Middle Eastern countries, information was collected from 411 companies operating in four countries (Iran, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) in this region using an electronic questionnaire. Findings The findings show that the capabilities of big data technology have a positive effect on environmental and social innovation. Using big data can also positively affect a company’s performance. Managers can make appropriate decisions for their business by using data analysis technologies, which, in addition to having a positive effect on corporate performance, can also fulfill their social responsibility toward the environment. The findings of this research help companies make strategic decisions about the allocation of resources for digital technologies and BDA capabilities. Originality/value The theoretical contribution of this study is the analysis of the impact dimensions of BDA on various aspects of innovation in the organization and, ultimately corporate performance. Therefore, the final model of this study can describe the dimensions of these relationships.