Abstract

The study addresses the issue of eco-innovation and innovation in the European Union countries, which is important from the perspective of the sustainable development paradigm. Innovation constitutes a significant factor related to socio-economic development, and it is crucial in constructing the competitive advantage of enterprises, regions, and countries. Nowadays, an increasing importance is attached to eco-innovations, which takes into account the ecological perspective ensuring the reduction of environmental burdens. The purpose of the conducted research was to assess the diversity among the European Union countries regarding the situation related to eco-innovation and innovation, which is focused on the typology of the EU Member States taking a holistic approach to innovation, i.e., considering not only economic but also environmental and social performance. The methods of multivariate statistical analysis, with a particular emphasis on classification methods, were used in the research. A holistic overview of innovation results from the combination of findings based on the research was carried out within the framework of the Eco-Innovation Observatory and the European Innovation Scoreboard. The study covered 28 European Union countries in the period 2013–2019. As a result of the conducted analyses, four classes of the EU Member States were identified (Leaders of Eco-Innovation and Innovation, Moderate Eco-Innovators and Catching-Up Leaders of Innovation, Poor Innovators, The Poorest Eco-Innovators and Innovators).

Highlights

  • IntroductionIt should be highlighted that the definitions of innovation proposed by the Oslo Manual are of an economic and business nature

  • Received: 28 December 2021When introducing the problem, it should be highlighted that the definitions of innovation proposed by the Oslo Manual are of an economic and business nature

  • The EU countries show a clear divergence in terms of both eco-innovation and innovation

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Summary

Introduction

It should be highlighted that the definitions of innovation proposed by the Oslo Manual are of an economic and business nature. They specify business innovation as a new or improved product or a business process (or their combination), which is significantly different from the earlier business processes or products of the enterprise, which has been launched on the market or entered into operation by the enterprise. Eco-innovation means the implementation of a new or significantly improved product (article or service), process, organizational change, or marketing solution that reduces using natural resources (including materials, energy, water, and land) and limits the release of harmful substances throughout the life cycle [2].

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