Eco-innovation – Putting the EU on the path to a resource and energy efficient economy

This publication on eco-innovation includes a study and three briefing notes. The study addresses the following issues: Why is the issue of resource scarcity back on the agenda? What are the strategic conclusions for the EU? What can the EU expect from eco-innovation in a large range of industrial sectors? Are existing measures meeting the EU aims and expectations, and what new policy initiatives should be set forward? To meet these objectives, the study gives an overview on resource scarcities, elaborates on eco-innovation, including trends, barriers and driving forces and outlines proposals for future EU policies and a possible vision for the future. Three briefing notes complement the study by providing further insights on: (i) the challenges, drivers and barriers to Eco-Innovation in the private sector (UK context); (ii) the assessment of national public policies promoting eco-innovation (focusing on the Netherlands); (iii) identifying public funding mechanisms featuring innovative and effective approaches.