Eco-Innovation Performance and Selected Competitiveness Issues Perceived by Managers in the EU Member States - a Cross-Country Analysis

Abstract

This paper analyzes links between eco‑innovation performance and selected competitiveness issues perceived by managers in the 26 EU member states. Different dimensions of eco‑innovation performance in individual EU member states were examined based on the Eco‑Innovation Scoreboard. The country‑specific data on selected competitiveness issues were obtained from the survey of business leaders carried out by the IMD World Competitiveness Center. The data on the Summary Innovation Index applied in the European Innovation Scoreboard were also used. The results of the cross‑country analysis indicated that overall eco‑innovation performance is strongly correlated with ethical practices, social responsibility of business leaders, health, safety and environmental concerns, as well as with corporate values. Moreover, it was found that the lack of pollution problems affecting economy, credibility of managers in society, environmental laws that do not hinder competitiveness of businesses, positive attitudes toward globalization in society, sustainable development being a priority in companies, and need for economic and social reforms are of particular importance in achieving better eco‑innovation performance.