Strategic Environmental Management in the European Healthcare Sector: The Case of Innovative Governance of IRCCSs

The chapter examines the strategic environmental management within the European healthcare sector, with a particular focus on the Italian National Health System (NHS) and the role of Scientific Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Institutes (IRCCSs). It begins by discussing the growing importance of sustainability in management studies and the need for a systemic approach to address the interconnections between business activities and social challenges. The text highlights the unique position of IRCCSs, which, due to their innovative research and clinical practices, are well-placed to promote environmental sustainability within the healthcare sector. The chapter delves into the specific environmental strategies adopted by IRCCSs, including healthcare waste management, energy efficiency, and digital innovation. It provides a detailed analysis of the current state of these practices within the Italian NHS and offers insights into how IRCCSs can serve as models for other healthcare organizations. The chapter also explores the broader context of European healthcare sustainability, discussing the impact of policies such as the European Green Deal and the role of digital technologies in promoting sustainable practices. It concludes by emphasizing the potential of IRCCSs to drive sustainable development within the healthcare sector and the need for further research to understand the interdependencies between economic, social, environmental, and ethical sustainability.