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Diffusion of Green Technology: A Survey

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  • Allan, Corey
  • Jaffe, Adam B.
  • Sin, Isabelle

Abstract

This paper surveys the existing literature on diffusion of environmentally beneficial technology. Overall, it confirms many of the lessons of the larger literature on technology diffusion: diffusion often appears slow when viewed from the outside; the flow of information is an important factor in the diffusion process; networks and organizations can matter; behavioural factors such as values and cognitive biases also play a role. With respect to policy instruments, there is some evidence that the flexibility of market-based instruments can have a beneficial impact on technology diffusion, but there are also numerous cases in which regulations have forced the adoption of new technologies. There would be significant benefit to increased investment in studies that look at questions such as the role of information provision, networks and framing issues in households' and firms' adoption decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Allan, Corey & Jaffe, Adam B. & Sin, Isabelle, 2014. "Diffusion of Green Technology: A Survey," International Review of Environmental and Resource Economics, now publishers, vol. 7(1), pages 1-33, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:now:jirere:101.00000055
    DOI: 10.1561/101.00000055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technology diffusion; Technology transfer; Policy instruments; Green technology;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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