From Desert to Field: Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility as a Driver of Sustainable Technological Innovation in the UAE Agriculture Sector

Environmental sustainability has become a strategic priority in operations and production management, particularly in environmentally constrained sectors such as agriculture. In arid regions, sustainable technological innovation is essential for long term sectoral viability and food security. This study examines how Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (ECSR) functions as a driver of Sustainable Technological Innovation (STI) in the agriculture sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Drawing on Stakeholder Theory and Innovation Diffusion Theory, the research investigates how environmental responsibility practices influence the adoption, diffusion, and sustained use of innovative agricultural technologies. A qualitative methodology was adopted, combining semi structured interviews and ethnographic observations from a large scale agricultural project. Findings indicate that ECSR plays a critical enabling role by legitimising long term investment, aligning stakeholder expectations, and embedding sustainability within operational decision making. However, diffusion remains constrained by high capital costs, harsh climatic conditions, and capability gaps. The study offers theoretical and practical insights for managers, policymakers, and researchers seeking to develop resilient, sustainable, and technology enabled agricultural systems in arid environments.