La industria vasca en la era post-carbono: la transición hacia la competitividad sostenible

The mitigation of climate change (CC) and responding to potential energy shortage (ES) are two important factors that highlight the need for a change in the concept of «competition for sustainability». The problems entailed by CC and EE hypotheses provide firms with an opportunity to jump to a new level in competitiveness, rather than representing merely financial and social costs. The latest generation of policies established since Kyoto in regard to the environment and what has become known as the «Porter hypothesis» allocate a core role to innovation as a mainstay of sustainable competitiveness. This paper reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of Basque industry in the face of a low-carbon economy. Some of the most notable policies implemented by the Basque public authorities are also outlined.