Pioneer countries and the global diffusion of environmental innovations: Theses from the viewpoint of ecological modernisation theory

Keywords:

Eco-innovation, Ecological Modernisation, Environmental innovation, Environmental regulation, Lead markets

Abstract:

This article examines how individual pioneer countries contribute to the development and global diffusion of technological environmental innovations. Key components to this end are stringent regulation, pioneer companies, and pacesetting lead markets. However, uneven development hinders the adoption of environmental innovations by less developed countries. This paper examines the subject from the viewpoint of ecological modernisation theory.