Eco-innovation, which combines innovation and sustainable development, has become an essential instrument to strengthen economic growth and preserve the environment. Considering the eco-innovation index for the EU, we study the convergence of eco-innovation across countries for the period 2012–2021 through the club convergence approach. We evaluate if and to what extent EU countries are converging toward a homogenous eco-innovation dynamic pattern. Our results indicate three clubs of convergence in the overall eco-innovation index, while the number of clusters is higher -four or five- in the five dimensions of the indicator. The analysis of the determinants of clubs in the aggregated index highlights the relevance of GDP per capita and economic openness, while R&D investments, environmental taxation and firm size are non-significant in our study. The results are also discussed within the contexts of convergence of environmental policies and innovation in the EU.
Costantini, V., Delgado, F.J., Presno, M.J. (2023). Environmental innovations in the EU: A club convergence analysis of the eco-innovation index and driving factors of the clusters. ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION AND SOCIETAL TRANSITIONS, 46, 100698 [10.1016/j.eist.2023.100698].
Environmental innovations in the EU: A club convergence analysis of the eco-innovation index and driving factors of the clusters
Costantini, ValeriaMembro del Collaboration Group
;
2023-01-01
Abstract
Eco-innovation, which combines innovation and sustainable development, has become an essential instrument to strengthen economic growth and preserve the environment. Considering the eco-innovation index for the EU, we study the convergence of eco-innovation across countries for the period 2012–2021 through the club convergence approach. We evaluate if and to what extent EU countries are converging toward a homogenous eco-innovation dynamic pattern. Our results indicate three clubs of convergence in the overall eco-innovation index, while the number of clusters is higher -four or five- in the five dimensions of the indicator. The analysis of the determinants of clubs in the aggregated index highlights the relevance of GDP per capita and economic openness, while R&D investments, environmental taxation and firm size are non-significant in our study. The results are also discussed within the contexts of convergence of environmental policies and innovation in the EU.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
