Eco-innovations: basic concepts and feasibility of development in Ukraine

Abstract

The formation and development of effective modern technologies, threats of a socio-political nature, the aggravation of the relationship between society and nature form fundamentally new challenges regarding the state of the environment and the intensity of negative impacts. One of the main factors of the theory of sustainability is environmental innovations (eco-innovations), which provide a double benefit for the economy: economic growth and reduction of negative impact on the environment. Eco-innovations contribute to the development of a more ecological economy and the spread of so-called "clean technologies". Practical implementation of eco-innovation is possible only if it is an element of a certain system. Environmental engineering can be such a system. Environmental engineering is a relatively new discipline that is actively developing and aims to integrate ecological principles into the planning, design and construction of both land and water infrastructure. Ecological engineering allows the introduction of biological and chemical methods and systems that exist in nature for research and design of modern engineering systems. One of the options for implementing eco-innovations can be the use of mining waste in sanitation and environmental protection technologies. The mining industry produces the largest amount of waste of inorganic origin among all existing industries of human economy. The use of mining waste as an example of eco-innovation in sanitation and environmental protection is a promising direction of development and experimental research. A list of independent economic and managerial factors (predictors) is offered, which are indicators and a condition for the implementation of multi-cycle development based on the principles of sustainable development. The potential of circular economy mechanisms in relation to the implementation of investment projects using recycling is determined. The factors that prevent the spread of the best practices of sustainable development in the activities of Ukrainian enterprises are analyzed. The factors (limitations) include: lack of state incentives, ignorance of the field about eco-innovation methods, old concept of waste management, lack of infrastructure and eco-engineering technologies.