Policy Instruments for Eco-Innovation in Asian Countries

• Main Authors: Eun Kyung Jang, Mi Sun Park, Tae Woo Roh, Ki Joo Han
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2015-09-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: eco-innovation; policy instruments; sustainable development; Asia
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/7/9/12586

Eco-innovation globally emerged as an effort to implement sustainable development. States and firms established and implemented policies and strategies for eco-innovation as one route to achieving sustainable development. Eco-innovation has been facilitated in developed countries, specifically OECD members and European countries, through action plans. Recently, eco-innovation policies have emerged in developing countries. Thus, this study analyzes eco-innovation policies in Asian countries. Policies related to eco-innovation in 17 Asian countries were investigated using policy instrument categories. National policies for eco-innovation were interpreted and compared with development stage classifications. The results indicate that there are similar and different policy approaches to eco-innovation in Asian countries. Given the balance between a technology push (supply side) and a market pull (demand side) in policy instruments for eco-innovation, 17 countries were identified by four categories: leaders, followers, loungers, and laggards. The results provide insight for designing national strategies for eco-innovation in Asia’s developing countries. Therefore, this research contributes to facilitating and diffusing eco-innovation toward sustainability in Asia.