The Role of Collective Intelligence in Fostering Green Innovation: The Mediation Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility

Houda Tira Nouicer; Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih

doi:10.23762/FSO_VOL14_NO2_4

Published : 2026-06-24

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026)

The Role of Collective Intelligence in Fostering Green Innovation: The Mediation Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility

Houda Tira Nouicer

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7591-1153

Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2730-689X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL14_NO2_4

Abstract

Green innovation has become a primary driver for the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems. While collective intelligence, corporate social responsibility, and green innovation have been studied individually, integrated theoretical models remain limited. This study has two main objectives. First, it examines the direct effect of collective intelligence on green innovation. Second, it also examines the indirect effect of collective intelligence on green innovation by focusing on the mediating role of corporate social responsibility in this relationship. The research adopted a quantitative research design via a survey conducted among 745 Tunisian firms. The data collected were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) by means of AMOS version 23 software to test the relationships between the integrated variables in the research conceptual model. A re-tested scale was adopted in the study based on a literature review. The convergent and discriminant validity as well as Cronbach’s alpha were tested and ensured that they met the requisite standard. A structural model was developed to confirm the abovementioned relationships. The quantitative results demonstrate that collective intelligence has a significant and positive effect on green innovation. Specifically, the study confirms that corporate social responsibility plays a partial mediating role in this relationship. Four key findings emerge: first, collective intelligence directly fosters innovative green practices; second, the interaction between collective intelligence and social responsibility strengthens firm outcomes; third, shared decision-making and knowledge exchange are vital capabilities; and fourth, the partial mediation highlights that social responsibility acts as a strategic bridge for sustainable initiatives. This study provides empirical evidence encouraging firms to invest in collective intelligence and capability development. The findings indicate that embedding corporate social responsibility into corporate strategy enhances the impact of green innovation. Ultimately, this integration supports genuinely sustainable decision-making processes within the Tunisian business context. Therefore, both theoretical and practical implications were suggested.

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collective intelligence, corporate social responsibility, green innovation, Tunisian firms, corporate strategy, strategic decision making.

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Nouicer, H. T., & Sobaih, A. E. E. (2026). The Role of Collective Intelligence in Fostering Green Innovation: The Mediation Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility. Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 14(2), 71–86. https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL14_NO2_4

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