Publication date: Available online 6 December 2013
Source:Organizational Dynamics

Author(s): Lars Isaksson , Tim Kiessling , Michael Harvey

Microfinance is a global high-growth industry, in which entrepreneurship is prevalent and substantial. Based on the theoretical argument that microfinance entrepreneur-chief executive officers (CEOs) are “motivated agents” with a unique ability to hire and socialize mission-oriented staff, we hypothesize that these CEOs produce more sustainable microfinance institutions (MFIs) with better social performance and lower costs. This study utilizes data from 295 MFIs in 73 developing countries, assessed between 1998 and 2010. Our empirical evidence suggests that entrepreneur-managed MFIs feature higher social performance, greater financial sustainability, and lower costs.

AVCJ

UK-based Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) has teamed up with with Hong Kong private equity infrastructure firm First Eastern Investment Group to launch a $200 million fund that will invest in energy efficiency projects in the UK and China.

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2013
Source:Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Author(s): Philip Shapira , Abdullah Gök , Evgeny Klochikhin , Marianne Sensier

There is a growing interest in innovation for sustainability and the development of green industries and green jobs. But how can green industries, green manufacturing jobs, and green goods innovation be measured? This paper probes current and recent attempts to define and measure these categories, with a focus on studies in the UK. We review the methods, estimates and trends contained in these studies. While these efforts have value, they also raise significant conceptual and measurement issues. The paper discusses a series of these issues and considers strategies to further refine the categorization and detection of green sector enterprises. A new identification approach is put forward using search term combinations and text mining to discern green goods sector companies. This method is tested through a search of small and medium-size green goods enterprises in the UK. Findings from our search approach are presented, along with a discussion of advantages and limitations.