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The Efficiency of Resource Utilization in EU-28 Countries through Eco-Innovation and Digital Inclusion

Author

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  • Alexandra-Maria Constantin

    (Department of Economic Informatics and Cybernetics, Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics, Bucharest University of Economics Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Orlando-Marian Voica

    (Department of Economic Informatics and Cybernetics, Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics, Bucharest University of Economics Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Cătălin-Ionuț Silvestru

    (Robots and Production System Department, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Vasilica-Cristina Icociu

    (Robots and Production System Department, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060041 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Ramona-Camelia Silvestru

    (Metallic Constructions, Management and Graphic Engineering Department, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, 020396 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Andreea Grecu

    (Metallic Constructions, Management and Graphic Engineering Department, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, 020396 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

Innovation has been a historical driver for progress. The need for more effective resource utilization has ignited the presence of many innovations in the economic environment. Among others, digitalization and internet connectivity are important pillars of development. Our paper aims to provide a few insights related to the question “How can we increase the efficiency of resource utilization in EU-28 countries through Eco-Innovation and Digital Inclusion?” This paper examines the issue of innovation related to the use of natural resources (Eco-innovation) as a determining factor in resource consumption in societies with different levels of digital inclusion. Our analysis is based on clustering of EU-28 Member States using three variables: the degree of digital inclusion, the Eco-Innovation Index, and the degree of resource use. We expect digital inclusion to mediate the relationship between eco-innovation and resource utilization. Clustering might reveal how the Eco-Innovation Index, Digital Inclusion Level, and Resource Productivity Index differ among EU-28 Member States and provide relevant information for prioritization of resource allocation at the EU level. Our approach of clustering based on the three variables considered reveals that countries with a better economy present better performance from the point of view of Digital Inclusion in the context of Eco-Innovation and the use of resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra-Maria Constantin & Orlando-Marian Voica & Cătălin-Ionuț Silvestru & Vasilica-Cristina Icociu & Ramona-Camelia Silvestru & Andreea Grecu, 2023. "The Efficiency of Resource Utilization in EU-28 Countries through Eco-Innovation and Digital Inclusion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16924-:d:1302004
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Claudia Kemfert, 2019. "Green Deal for Europe: More Climate Protection and Fewer Fossil Fuel Wars," Intereconomics: Review of European Economic Policy, Springer;ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics;Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), vol. 54(6), pages 353-358, November.
    2. Guanyu Li & Dian Li & Tang Tang, 2023. "Bibliometric Review of Design for Digital Inclusion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-16, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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