Why sustainable innovations are not always adopted

Abstract

Both consultants and scientists would agree that even if their own work provided a solution to a landuser's problem, then that solution is unlikely to be adopted if the landuser is unwillign to pay for it Financial incentives, while enabling factors in technology transfer and adoption, are usually not the only limiting factors. In reality, adoption is more complex. This complexity resides within the interrelationship between human endeavours, economics and the environment. Although there is a global consensus on the need for sustainability, the means of achieving the core values and principles of sustainable development, on the ground, remains a challenge. This paper discusses some of the fundamental reasons why sustainable land use practices and innovations are not always adopted, providing a perspective from industry.