Positive Environmental Outcomes Research Articles

Smart food‐sharing platforms for social sustainability: a heuristic algorithm approach

AbstractThis study examines how smart food‐sharing platforms (SFSP) can help reduce food waste and suggests a method for using smart contracts to share extra food among different partners effectively. For smart contracts to work automatically and prevent food wastage, artificial intelligence systems can recognize how smart clauses should be executed. This will involve analyzing several factors like the selling price, expiration dates, offers from other partners, transport costs, wholesale price, shelf life, donation rates, and demand rates. The findings indicate that adopting an SFSP is an efficient solution for preemptively adopting redistribution strategies and improving social outcomes through donations as well as achieving positive environmental outcomes through reduced waste. However, we also identify cases in which reducing food waste to achieve social sustainability may negatively impact economic performance.

Conceptualizing social risk in relation to climate change and assisted ecosystem adaptation.

Realizing positive social and environmental outcomes from assisted ecosystem adaptation requires the management of complex, uncertain, and ambiguous risks. Using assisted coral reef adaptation as a case study, this article presents a conceptual framework that defines social impacts as the physical and cognitive consequences for people of planned intervention and social risks as potential impacts transformed into objects of management through assessment and governance. Reflecting on its multiple uses in the literature, we consider "social risk" in relation to risks to individuals and communities, risks to First Peoples, risks to businesses or project implementation, possibilities for amplified social vulnerability, and risk perceptions. Although much of this article is devoted to bringing clarity to the different ways in which social risk manifests and to the multiple characters of risk and uncertainty, it is apparent that risk governance itself must be an inherently integrative and social process.

A Life Cycle Assessment Study of the Impacts of Pig Breeding on the Environmental Sustainability of Pig Production.

Lifecycle assessment (LCA) quantified changes in environmental impact categories (global warming, eutrophication, etc.) from 2021 to 2030 due to genetic trends in (re)production traits in pig lines of the breeding company Genus-PIC. The 2030 levels were projected with selection index theory based on weightings of traits in the breeding goals and genetic covariances among them. The projected improvement was 0.9% annually for most impact categories. Another LCA compared the impacts of 2021 North American pig production based on PIC genetics versus the industry average. Software openLCA converted material and energy flows to impact categories of frameworks ReCiPe-2016, PEF-3.1, and IPCC-2021. Flows came from data recorded by customers (1.1/4.7 million sows/finishing pigs) and by subscribers to a third-party data aggregator (1.3/9.1 million). PIC genetics have a 7-8% better impact than industry average for 13/18 categories of ReCiPe-2016, 19/25 of PEF-3.1, and all categories of IPCC-2001. Pig breeding delivers positive environmental outcomes as correlated responses to selection for profitability-oriented breeding goals. This trend is additive; technology development will increase it. Different investment levels in breeding population structure and technology and different operational efficiencies of breeding companies cause substantial differences in the environmental impact of pig production.

Environmental remediation through briquettes making from waste papers and latex

This project is dedicated to mitigating the challenges associated with paper and glove waste disposal by introducing an environmentally conscious solution—carbonized briquettes designed for use as sustainable fuel. The methodology involves the meticulous combination of waste paper and gloves, followed by compression into briquettes and carbonization through pyrolysis. A thorough analysis was conducted to assess the quality of the resulting briquettes, focusing on combustion and physical properties. Noteworthy findings include approximately 11% volatile matters, 30 ppm of carbon monoxide, 0.56% moisture content, and over 76% fixed carbon. Physical properties exhibited 0.03% bulk density, 0.9% shattered index, and 0.81% tumbling test. Importantly, the experimental data attests to the project's minimal environmental impact, contributing positively to the overall well-being of the planet. The study's significance extends to environmental sustainability and remediation. It also sets the stage for future research endeavors, highlighting the need to optimize the briquette-making process, consider the glove-to-paper ratio, and develop effective glove cleaning methods to enhance safety for both users and makers. These refinements aim to fortify the project's potential for positive environmental and health outcomes. In summary, this project champions the conversion of paper and glove waste into eco-friendly fuel sources, offering a sustainable and promising solution to waste management challenges. The findings underscore its potential for widespread adoption, aligning with the principles of environmental sustainability and fostering a healthier planet for future generations.

Community effects associated with sunflower oil production: systematic review

Abstract This systematic review explores the multifaceted landscape of community issues in the context of sunflower oil production. As a crucial component of the agro-industrial sector, sunflower oil production significantly contributes to global edible oil supplies. However, the socio-economic dynamics within communities engaged in this industry are complex and warrant a comprehensive examination. The study synthesises existing literature to identify community issues around sunflower oil production by following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This study extracted 68 articles from the Scopus database relating the diverse impacts of sunflower oil production on communities. It resulted in 10 articles to analyse, focusing on health and socio-economic dynamics. A review of 10 relevant articles revealed that most of the reviewed studies indicate positive effects in terms of health outcomes. Especially in resource-constrained settings, sunflower oil distribution contributes to improved infant care. However, a notable exception exists in a Mexican case where toxic substances were found in the breast milk of mothers consuming sunflower oil, emphasising the importance of safety regulations in production. On the socio-economic front, limited research exists, with only two articles addressing this aspect. Nevertheless, these studies highlight the potential for job creation and positive environmental outcomes associated with sunflower oil production.

Reimagining energy infrastructure for justice: Power, politics, and institutional work in India’s 2.05 GW Pavagada solar park

India has positioned itself as a leader in transitioning its energy sector to renewable sources, with ambitious targets and policies in place. Large-scale grid-integrated renewable energy plants have been identified as the most efficient option. Scholarly arguments differ regarding the impacts of renewables-led transitions, with some emphasizing positive environmental, economic, and social outcomes, while others highlight the potential for reinforcing asymmetrical power relations and unjust outcomes. Viewing the energy transition as a socio-technical process, we utilize a recent conceptualisation of the relationship between institutional work and infrastructures to analyze the unfolding power dynamics and its influence on socially just outcomes. Theoretically, we draw on the ‘Triple-Re’ framework, which distinguishes three interrelated domains of institutional work in socio-technical transitions: reimagining, recoding, and reconfiguring of infrastructures. Through a process tracing approach, we study the planning and realization of India's Pavagada Solar Park to understand the interactions among actors, institutions, policies, and material contexts at various spatial and temporal scales. Field observations, interviews, and archival research reveal how discursive dynamics and the recoding of rules and policies have facilitated land and resource mobilization, resulting in changes to ownership models, local infrastructure, land use, ecosystems, and occupational structures. We argue that recognizing and understanding these outcomes are crucial for achieving socially just outcomes in the context of renewable energy infrastructure.

The Role of Organisational Culture and Structure in Data-driven Green Policy and Decision-making

The study explores how organizational structure and culture in the South African property sector influence decision-making on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) challenges and Green Policy development. It hypothesized that traditional hierarchical structures and non-participative cultures hinder digitalization, impairing data collection essential for informed ESG decisions. In contrast, participative cultures and modern or matrix structures facilitate data-driven insights, expediting ESG and Green Policy advancements. Qualitative methods, including unstructured in-depth interviews with key decision-makers across various sectors (listed companies, commercial developers, financiers, real estate agencies), alongside interviews with digital application developers, provided perspectives on organizational impacts. A systematic literature review supplemented the data. Thematic content analysis of the data revealed traditional structures and cultures complicate decision-making, impede digital transformation, and delay ESG and Green Policy implementation. Conversely, participative cultures and modern structures streamline data-driven decision-making processes, promoting ESG and Green Policy progress. The findings highlight opportunities for traditional organizations to enhance structures and cultures, removing barriers to digitalization and accelerating ESG and Green Policy initiatives. This study underscores the critical role of organization dynamics in fostering sustainability within the built environment, emphasizing digital transformation's importance in driving positive environmental and social outcomes.

Farmers’ evolving attitudes on environmental conditionality in the CAP: a farm level examination of temporal shifts

AbstractGiven the anticipated shift in the allocation of resources under the common agricultural policy (CAP) toward increasing positive environmental outcomes, this study explores farmer attitudes toward the current principle of connecting direct payments to environmental conditionality, known as cross compliance. Furthermore, we explore whether there have been changes in farmer attitudes toward cross compliance over time by posing identical questions to farmers in both 2010 and 2018. A supplementary survey was designed and administered in conjunction with the core EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) to assess farmers’ attitudes to linking CAP payments to environmental conditionality. The findings of a generalized ordered logit model indicate a high level of support among farmers for linking direct payments to good agricultural practices and cross compliance standards. Factors influencing farmers’ acceptance of cross compliance can be categorized into several domains, including farm and farmer characteristics, social and institutional attributes, and economic factors. Notably, the level of subsidy dependency emerges as a highly significant factor, with farmers who rely more heavily on direct payments being more inclined to disagree with cross compliance requirements.

Breathing space in a compact city: Impacts of urban re-densification on Mumbai's low-income housing environment

Redevelopment of low-income settlements by re-densifying cities is a common approach in the Global South to improve living conditions and tackle the housing shortage. However, the effectiveness of the housing design in redevelopment schemes remains to be questioned. This study evaluates a proposed design of a slum redevelopment project in Mumbai, India, by comparing the environmental performance of three design schemes: the existing low-income housing, the redevelopment scheme proposed by the local government and a hypothetical design (modified scheme) that aligns with positive environmental outcomes identified in the current literature. The environmental factors such as the natural airflow, incident solar radiation and daylighting parameters were assessed by computational simulations and validated by a wind tunnel experiment. These factors were associated with direct and indirect density metrics of the three design schemes to inform better policymaking for slum redevelopment projects that seek to re-densify housing for the urban poor. The results indicated that the design performance of the redeveloped scheme is less preferable due to the unclean indoor air and inadequate daylighting conditions requiring large-scale demolition of the existing buildings. The modified plan requires minimal demolishment and demonstrates relatively better environmental performance. The study revealed that indirect density measures - building geometry factors and urban form parameters - are essential in affecting the ecological performance of housing. Considering these factors in design standards and policymaking for high-density redevelopment schemes can enable the “Goldilocks density” that significantly improves the quality of living while densifying the cities.

Socially responsible investment: Ex-ante contracting or ex-post bargaining?

This paper shows how a socially and environmentally aware firm principal can motivate a profit-oriented manager to pursue positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes. In the model, the manager produces a verifiable output that creates social costs but also engages in an unverifiable output that promotes ESG. The paper demonstrates that an ex-post bargaining contract is preferred to an ex-ante commitment contract if the unverifiable output substantially improves ESG or if there exist substantial social costs. The paper also examines how social impact bonds can be more effective than short-term debt when used to finance social programs.

Repurposing Industrial By-Products for Environmental Beneficial Applications : An Approach for Renewable Energy Production

Environmental pollution stemming from fossil fuel usage and industrial waste production poses significant challenges to global sustainability efforts. This research paper introduces a pioneering platform designed to facilitate collaboration between two key stakeholders: polluters generating waste and innovators seeking sustainable solutions. The platform aims to streamline the process of repurposing industrial by-products for environmentally beneficial applications, particularly in the realm of waste treatment and renewable energy production. Beginning with an overview of the pressing environmental issues caused by traditional energy production and waste generation processes, this paper underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to mitigate pollution and promote sustainability. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature, the research identifies opportunities to bridge the gap between polluters and innovators, laying the groundwork for the development of the sustainable resource management platform. Methodologically, the paper outlines the conceptualization and implementation of the platform, detailing its key features and functionalities. Central to its operation is the integration of user-friendly interfaces and robust data analytics capabilities, enabling efficient matchmaking between waste producers and potential users of by-products. Results from the platform's pilot implementation demonstrate its efficacy in fostering collaborative partnerships and promoting resource circularity. By connecting polluters with innovators capable of transforming waste into valuable resources such as biofuels and renewable energy, the platform facilitates a paradigm shift towards sustainable resource management practices. Discussion of the results addresses the broader implications of the platform for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Emphasizing its potential to drive positive environmental outcomes while fostering economic opportunities, the paper concludes by highlighting avenues for further research and expansion of the platform's functionalities. In summary, this research paper presents a novel approach to addressing environmental pollution and promoting resource efficiency through collaborative innovation, underscoring the importance of collective action in building a more sustainable future. Key Words: Enviroment pollution mitigation, climate safety, climate alert.

Women’s leadership in climate-resilient agrifood systems: defining a future research agenda

Women’s leadership is increasingly considered critical for achieving climate-resilient agrifood systems. Numerous initiatives and policies highlight the business case for women’s leadership to deliver a range of positive social, economic and environmental outcomes. In this Perspective, we examine the business case, finding uneven evidence linking women’s leadership to increased resilience to climate change. We problematize the ways women’s leadership is typically understood in this area and argue that, despite the value and utility of understanding the pathways through which women’s leadership can strengthen climate-resilient agrifood systems, support for increasing women’s leadership should not be contingent on proving the business case or its instrumental value. Rather, increasing the leadership of women in all their diversity in climate action is a moral imperative and non-negotiable due to women’s human right to have meaningful influence in the decisions that affect their lives. Finally, we propose ways to reframe the debate on women’s leadership in climate and agrifood systems and suggest priorities for future research in this area.

The Link Between Social-Ecological Network Fit and Outcomes: A Rare Empirical Assessment of a Prominent Hypothesis

It is often claimed that the structure of networks influences outcomes in environmental governance. For example, network motifs of social-ecological fit have been linked to positive environmental outcomes, but empirical tests of this link are rare. Social-ecological network fit represents a situation in which actors involved in the governance and management of linked ecological elements coordinate. We empirically analyze how motifs of social-ecological network fit are associated with actors’ outcome assessments in ten cases of Swiss wetlands governance. We combine social networks among organizational actors, networks of interrelated ecosystem management activities, and actors’ assessments of outcomes. Results show that – contrary to the prominent theoretical claim – more fit is linked to worse outcomes. Drawing on the so-called risk hypothesis, we argue that our negative findings likely highlight a complicated causal process between actors’ assessments of outcomes and their adjustment to risks through coordination in networks.

Nature-based solution enhances resilience to flooding and catalyzes multi-benefits in coastal cities in the Global South

Coastal cities are facing a rise in groundwater levels induced by sea level rise, further triggering saturation excess flooding where groundwater levels reach the topographic surface or reduce the storage capacity of the soil, thus stressing the existing infrastructure. Lowering groundwater levels is a priority for sustaining the long-term livelihood of coastal cities. In the absence of studies assessing the possibility of using tree-planting as a measure of alleviating saturation excess flooding in the context of rising groundwater levels, the multi-benefit nature of tree-planting programs as sustainable Nature-based solutions (NBSs) in coastal cities in the Global South is discussed. In environments where groundwater is shallow, trees uptake groundwater or reduce groundwater recharge, thereby contributing to lower groundwater levels and increasing the unsaturated zone thickness, further reducing the risk of saturation excess flooding. Tree-planting programs represent long-term solutions sustained by environmental factors that are complementary to conventional engineering solutions. The multi-benefit nature of such NBSs and the expected positive environmental, economic, and social outcomes make them particularly promising. Wide social acceptance was identified as crucial for the long-term success of any tree-planting program, as the social factor plays a major role in addressing most weaknesses and threats of the solution. In the case of Nouakchott City (Mauritania), where a rise in groundwater levels has led to permanent saturation excess flooding, a tree-planting program has the potential to lower the groundwater levels, thereby reducing flooding during the rainy season.

Agroecological innovation to scale livestock agriculture for positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes

Livestock agriculture must change to meet demand for food production while building soil, reducing flooding, retaining nutrients, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting thriving communities. Technological innovations, including those in digital and precision agriculture, are unlikely by themselves to create the magnitude and directionality of transformation of livestock production systems that are needed. We begin by comparing technological, ecological and social innovations in feedlot-finished and pasture-finished cattle production and propose that what is required is a more integrative ‘agroecological innovation’ process that intentionally weaves these three forms of innovation to transition livestock agriculture to be genuinely regenerative and multifunctional. This integrated system emphasizes social innovations as essential components of the innovation system because of their capacity to address and influence the social context into which technological and ecological innovations occur. In particular, regional place-making can be especially useful as an interactive process of designing regional identities as people engage with one another and their environments to define landscape futures and the related social standards that normalize particular land management practices. Intentionally developing innovations can help communities engage in relational place-making processes to define desired outcomes for agricultural landscapes and develop ways to collaborate towards achieving them, including the creation of novel supply chains that support regenerative livestock systems. As social norms evolve through place-making they influence individual behaviors and agricultural practices on the ground and offer a pathway for more rapid scaling of regenerative practices in livestock agriculture. Regional place-making also can influence the ‘meta’ context of agricultural systems by engaging with public and private institutions responsible for management of natural resources, food systems, and the public good, further accelerating the scaling process. Emerging agroecological innovation systems for livestock agriculture must be designed and governed in ways that ensure responsible and diverse outcomes compatible with their social and ecological contexts, and with management approaches and technologies consistent with the values and goals of communities in a region.

Insights into lignocellulosic fiber feedstock and its impact on pulp and paper manufacturing: A comprehensive review

Concerns about the depletion of wood resources and the environmental impact of increasing demand for paper goods have led to the quest for alternate sources of fiber for pulp and paper manufacture. Non-wood fibers, such as agricultural residues, are seen as a sustainable and renewable source of fiber. However, due to changes in chemical composition, unpredictability, and processing methods, their utilization offers obstacles. Nonetheless, ongoing research in non-wood fiber pulping drives the development of new methods and technologies to enhance non-wood fibers' processability. Kraft pulping, known for efficacy and adaptability. This review provides comprehensive insights into the utilization of lignocellulosic non-wood fibers as sustainable alternatives to wood in pulp and paper manufacturing, backed by recent research. It explores the feasibility of non-wood fiber utilization and assesses various pulping processes' impacts on their properties. Notably, innovative pulping methodologies have emerged, addressing conventional approach shortcomings. Further research should focus on refining innovative pulping techniques and exploring alternative compounds to replace conventional chemicals, reducing ecological footprints. Efforts are needed to enhance non-wood fibers' processability through technology development. Collaboration among researchers, industry, and policymakers is vital to drive advancements and facilitate widespread non-wood fiber adoption. Exploring non-wood fiber applications beyond pulp and paper manufacturing could diversify fiber supply chains sustainably. In summary, the future of non-wood fibers in the pulp and paper industry is promising, with ongoing research and innovation expected to unlock their full potential, driving positive environmental and economic outcomes.

Recognition Strategy and Performance of Non-Teaching Staff at University of Eldoret in Kenya

Non-academic staff contribute significantly to the effective functioning of universities across the globe, supporting the institution's mission of education, research, and service to society. Their roles are diverse and essential, helping to create a supportive and conducive environment for academic excellence and student success. Their performance is aligned with broader national development priorities and the global agenda set forth by the SDGs. Their contributions are essential for advancing education, fostering innovation, promoting sustainable development, and building inclusive societies. By recognizing and supporting the role of non-academic staff, governments and institutions can better harness their potential to contribute to positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes. By facilitating access to quality education, they help build the knowledge and skills necessary for individuals to participate effectively in society and contribute to economic development. Unlike academic staff, whose work is more closely tied to research and teaching, the roles of non-academic staff, may not always be as directly connected to the core mission of the institution. This disconnect has led to several challenges that demotivate the work of non-teaching staffs. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which employee recognition strategy has influenced the performance of non-academic staff in the UOE, in Kenya. The study based on a quantitative research approach and underpinned by Maslow Theory of Motivation. The researcher used a correlational research design to establish the relationship between the study variables. The target population of this study comprised all the 208 permanent non-teaching staff in the university of Eldoret from which 137 were picked as sample size of the study Yamane formula. Stratified random sampling and simple random samplings were used to select respondents for the study. The study used structured self-administered questionnaires as its main primary data collection tool. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics included percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Inferentially, regression analysis was applied to get the changes in dependent variable caused by the influence of independent variables. Analyzed data was presented in form of tables, suitable graphs based on the APA format. The study results revealed that there was positive linear effect of influence of recognition on employee’s performance (β1=0.798, p=0.000 < 0.05). The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between recognition and performance of non-academic staff in the University of Eldoret.

Corporate governance and CSR for sustainability in Oil and Gas: Trends, challenges, and best practices: A review

Corporate governance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are integral components of sustainability in the oil and gas industry, shaping the sector's environmental and social impact. This review explores current trends, challenges, and best practices in corporate governance and CSR for sustainability within the oil and gas sector. The review examines how corporate governance frameworks influence CSR strategies, highlighting the importance of board oversight and stakeholder engagement in driving sustainable practices. It also delves into the evolving role of oil and gas companies in addressing environmental concerns, such as climate change and resource depletion, through CSR initiatives and transparent reporting. Challenges faced by the industry, such as regulatory complexity, stakeholder expectations, and balancing short-term profitability with long-term sustainability, are analyzed. The review underscores the need for robust governance structures and effective CSR programs to navigate these challenges and maintain social license to operate. Best practices in corporate governance and CSR are explored, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability into core business strategies. Case studies illustrate successful approaches to CSR implementation, showcasing how companies can create shared value for stakeholders while driving positive environmental and social outcomes. In conclusion, the review calls for a proactive and holistic approach to corporate governance and CSR in the oil and gas industry. It advocates for increased transparency, stakeholder engagement, and alignment of CSR efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance sustainability and mitigate risks in the sector.

Evaluating offsetting as a component of biodiversity governance

AbstractBiodiversity offsetting is considered to be an innovative policy instrument to balance land use changes with conservation priorities. Although advocates have pushed to establish biodiversity offset markets for over 20 years and critics have contested the social and ecological implications of such policy innovations, in practice, offsetting schemes have been difficult to set up, replicate, and sustain over time. Observing the underperformance of biodiversity offsetting, we argue that a critical analysis is urgently needed. We identify a need to analyze offsetting in relation to other features of biodiversity governance rather than focus on the merits and flaws of offsetting as a standalone policy instrument. Using a set‐theoretic model, we consider how different institutional arrangements determine if and when biodiversity offsetting produces positive environmental outcomes. We find that offsetting adds to biodiversity governance only when three thorny challenges are met—muscular enforcement of environmental regulations, rigorous impact management aligned with the mitigation hierarchy, and the existence of evidence‐based and cost‐effective platforms for offsetting. Short of these conditions, outcomes are either uncertain or outright harmful to biodiversity. Reflecting more broadly on the prospects of institutionalizing offsetting mechanisms for protecting biodiversity, we conclude a need to recenter attention toward the supportive role of the state in facilitating effective policy innovations.

TARGETING ECO-INNOVATION PERFORMANCE AMONG EU COUNTRIES: CLUSTER OUTCOME

An indispensable tool for enhancing economic growth and protecting the environment is eco-innovation, which integrates innovation and sustainable development. By utilizing innovation to address social, economic, and environmental issues, eco-innovation is essential to achieving sustainable development goals. One significant strategy for addressing environmental issues and promoting economic expansion is eco-innovation. Optimizing resource use and promoting efficiency across various sectors, eco-innovation holds significant importance in modern conditions. Eco-innovation represents a proactive approach and leads to positive environmental outcomes. The performance of eco-innovation is a key determinant of its effectiveness in achieving sustainable development goals. Undoubtedly, the European Union’s (EU) policy plan of the past few decades strongly emphasizes eco-innovation. Through initiatives such as the Eco-Innovation Scoreboard, which provides a comprehensive evaluation of eco-innovation performances across EU member states, the EU has been at the forefront of fostering eco-innovation. Eco-Innovation Scoreboards consist of indicators designed to measure various aspects of eco-innovation, used to assess the overall eco-innovation performance of EU member states and to track progress over time. This study examines the average value of eco-innovation performances across EU member states using data from the Eco-innovation Scoreboard. It also presents a comparative analysis of eco-innovation performances across EU member states over two different periods, 2013-2017 and 2018-2022, using indicators including eco-innovation input, eco-innovation activities, eco-innovation output, resource efficiency outcomes, and socio-economic outcomes. Cluster analysis groups EU member states based on their eco-innovation performances, allowing for a comparative assessment of different clusters. The examination evaluates the effectiveness of EU member states in combining innovative practices with sustainable development by focusing on cluster outcomes. The results of the analysis show dynamic changes in eco-innovation performance among EU countries, indicating migration between clusters over time. The observed trends suggest an evolution of priorities and strategies in eco-innovation, which requires adaptive policy responses. Policymakers are advised to adopt flexible and adaptive strategies that take into account the changing performance landscape of eco-innovation and that capitalize on the strengths recognized within each cluster while overcoming identified weaknesses.