EU Innovation Policy: Lessons Learned from the Inclusion of Aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme

Abstract:

The article looks at the inclusion of aviation in the European Union (EU) emissions trading scheme from the perspective of innovation. It argues that the initiative of the European Union to subject aviation to the scheme has functioned as a catalyst for innovation in the sector. Innovation has particularly manifested itself in the areas of air traffic management, aeronautics and biofuels. The article examines the EU mechanisms activated to foster innovation to draw conclusions on the existence and nature of an EU innovation policy. It approaches innovation as a means to achieve the objectives of the various EU policies rather than as an end in itself. Drawing upon the example of aviation it concludes that, although it does not appear that the EU has developed an autonomous system of horizontal rules on innovation, it does have plenty of instruments, which, if well-orchestrated, could lead to an innovation concert.