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Eco-innovation and regulatory push/pull effect in the case of REACH regulation: empirical evidence based on survey data

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  • N. Arfaoui

Abstract

Numerous theoretical and empirical studies provide evidence of a positive correlation between eco-innovation and environmental regulation. However, few analyses explain how environmental policies drive eco-innovation. This article studies eco-innovation-friendly mechanisms in the design of European REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals) regulation. The aim of REACH, which became effective in 2007, is ‘to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment while improving competitiveness and innovation’ which makes it appropriate and original for analysing the relationship between environmental regulation and eco-innovation. The primary contribution of this article is to provide a new theoretical and empirical perspective on eco-innovation by showing how design regulation is able to push and pull the environment innovation, based on an original survey related to REACH regulation. The econometric model shows that (1) regulatory-push mechanisms seem to be more important drivers than regulatory-pull mechanisms; (2) the process of authorization and the obligation to transmit information throughout the supply chain play an important role in ‘pushing’ eco-innovation, suggesting that policymakers should promote new ‘green knowledge’ to encourage eco-innovation; (3) extending obligations has a significantly positive effect on ‘pulling’ eco-innovation and (4) only well-designed instruments, appropriate for the techno-industrial and institutional contexts in which they are to be applied, lead to innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • N. Arfaoui, 2018. "Eco-innovation and regulatory push/pull effect in the case of REACH regulation: empirical evidence based on survey data," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(14), pages 1536-1554, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:50:y:2018:i:14:p:1536-1554
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2017.1368989
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    Cited by:

    1. Katharina Friz, 2021. "A question of regulation or motivation? Environmental innovation activities in transition economies," Bremen Papers on Economics & Innovation 2107, University of Bremen, Faculty of Business Studies and Economics.
    2. Samin Shaaban-Nejad & Farid Shirazi, 2022. "ICT and Environmental Sustainability: A Comparative Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-24, July.
    3. Antonella Biscione & Raul Caruso & Annunziata de Felice, 2021. "Environmental innovation in European transition countries," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(5), pages 521-535, January.
    4. Zhang, Dongyang, 2022. "Environmental regulation, green innovation, and export product quality: What is the role of greenwashing?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    5. Wenjing Ma & Mingyue Wang, 2023. "Discussion on the Relationship between Environmental Regulation and Green Technology Innovation from the Perspective of Innovation External Cooperation: Evidence from Chinese Private Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-28, November.
    6. Kai Ou & Yu Shi & Wenwen Zhou, 2024. "An Evolutionary Game Study on Green Technology Innovation of Coal Power Firms under the Dual-Regulatory System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1, January.

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