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Resource efficient eco-innovations for a circular economy: Evidence from EU firms

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  • Cainelli, Giulio
  • D’Amato, Alessio
  • Mazzanti, Massimiliano

Abstract

Innovation adoption and diffusion by firms are key pillars for the EU strategy on resource efficiency and the development of a circular economy. This paper presents new EU evidence regarding the role of environmental policy and green demand drivers to sustain the adoption of resource efficiency-oriented eco-innovations. Using a large cross-section dataset of EU firms and accounting for sample selection and endogeneity, the results strongly support the idea that environmental policy and demand-side factors are both significant in driving the adoption of innovations that promote recycling, reduce waste and decrease the use of materials. The paper provides a relevant piece of new, quantitative-based knowledge, which complements the large case study-based evidence on sound management and policy strategies for the circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Cainelli, Giulio & D’Amato, Alessio & Mazzanti, Massimiliano, 2020. "Resource efficient eco-innovations for a circular economy: Evidence from EU firms," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:49:y:2020:i:1:s0048733319301477
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2019.103827
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