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.

Note: This OECD publication can be accessed in a 'Browse it' or 'Look inside' format from the OECD website (i.e. you cannot freely print out or download). To obtain full access you need to use the OECD iLibrary (replacing SourceOECD) or purchase a paper or electronic version from the OECD Bookshop.

Website: OECD iLibrary http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/

OECD: Environment: Environmental Policy and Technological Innovation (EPTI) http://www.oecd.org/environment/innovation

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