Drivers of environmental innovation - Vinnova

Experience show that eco-audits can result in management and other functions
of the firm, such as R&D, being integrated into environmental policy. They can
also improve the internal transparency of firms, which may make it possible to
identify unnoticed starting points for environment-relieving measures, in
particular they may identify integrated measures (Hemmelskamp, 1997).
There are other potential advantages and disadvantages with eco-audits. Ecoaudits
have begun to be used as a public relations instrument. This may be a
problem if the focus of attention is shifted away from in-house conditions. The
soft regulation allows for a firm to take only superficial measures, reducing the
impact on firm activities. It is also the firms who have the responsibility to
compile a catalogue of measures to be taken. The regulation is also limited to
“economically justifiable” measures, which is open to interpretation and
reduces pressure on firms. As competitiveness and demand pressures increase
on SMEs to take part in the EC eco-audit scheme, they may catch up on the
larger firms in working with eco-audits. This way the regulation could produce
effective impacts on innovations in such firms (Hemmelskamp, 1997).
Network creation
Network creation can be achieved in several ways, such as through dialogue
and subsidies. Network creation aims at stimulating co-operation and
increasing access to external competence.
A Danish programme shows that network creation can be successful in
stimulating innovations. Five case studies of clean technology development
projects in Denmark were conducted. Most of the technological solutions
developed were process oriented. Some firms were able to cut costs by
substituting inputs, and some results were patented or introduced onto the
market. A success factor of the initiative was that the eligibility criteria took into
consideration that other than the polluting firm may contribute to the
technological solution, and hence supported collaboration between polluting
firms, customers, suppliers and consultants (Hemmelskamp, 1997).
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