OECD Studies on Environmental Innovation : Better Policies to Support Eco-Innovation

Eco-innovation is more important than ever on the public policy agenda. It is a major driver for green growth and contributes to the environmental performance and economic development of OECD and developing countries alike. This report takes a pragmatic approach to policies that support the development and diffusion of eco-innovation. Building on the OECD Innovation Strategy, it argues that eco-innovation is not merely about technological developments: non-technical innovations matter as well. It acknowledges that policies do not operate in a vacuum and that they must take account of the contexts that influence the development and diffusion of eco-innovation, such as market structures. It explores links between eco-innovation policies and related fields such as industry, competition, and international cooperation. This work builds on an OECD inventory of eco-innovation policies in OECD countries and in China. It also draws on studies of select environment-friendly innovations, highlighting different patterns of development across countries. It also incorporates extensive international consultation on the topics of eco-innovation and green growth. The results from this publication will contribute to the Green Growth Strategy being developed by the OECD as a practical policy package for governments to harness the potential of greener growth. For more information on OECD work on eco-innovation, visit: www.oecd.org/greengrowth www.oecd.org/environment/innovation www.oecd.org/sti/innovation/green Further reading : Eco-Innovation in Industry: Enabling Green Growth (2010), Environmental Policy Design Characteristics and Technological Innovation: Evidence from Patent Data (OECD Environment Working Paper, 2010), Environmental Policy, Technological Innovation and Patents (2008)