Problemi Ekonomiki (Mar 2025)
Ecological Innovations in the Context of the Formation of the Sustainable Development Conception
Abstract
The article is dedicated to the study of aspects of ecological innovations in the context of the formation of the sustainable development conception. The aim of the article is to conduct a thorough analysis of the development process of the ecological innovation conception in the context of the formation of the sustainable development paradigm of that time. The research showed that a series of ecological disasters of the 20th century, including the Santa Barbara oil spill (USA) and the Seveso disaster (Italy), served as catalysts for rethinking the interaction between industry and the environment. It is found that these events intensified public and political attention to the necessity of implementing environmentally safe solutions. Examples of the transformation of approaches to production activities, which occurred due to the activation of the ecological movement, the emergence of the first environmental regulations, and legislative initiatives, are provided. Based on the materials of the report «Our Common Future» (1987), conceptual features of ecological innovations in the context of the formation of the sustainable development paradigm of that time were formulated as follows: the importance of modernizing production processes to minimize negative environmental impact and optimize the use of natural resources; the integration of environmental factors into political governance and economic activities that has led to the implementation of ESG approaches in business and investment; an inter-sectoral approach to solving environmental problems, which involves comprehensive technological renewal of key sectors of the economy; the prioritization of long-term effects from the implementation of innovations oriented towards sustainable development, capable of ensuring a positive environmental outcome in the long run. The study conducted a thorough analysis of the contribution of environmental innovations to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Three key SDGs directly related to environmental innovations are examined in detail as follows: Goal 7 – ensuring access to affordable and sustainable energy sources, Goal 9 – promoting sustainable industrialization and innovation, and Goal 15 – conserving ecosystems and biodiversity. The contribution of environmental innovations to the development of renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, as well as supporting the circular economy and «clean» production technologies is studied. The role of environmental innovations in the conservation of biodiversity and the restoration of ecosystems through biotechnology, rational land use, and monitoring the state of natural resources is determined. The carried out analysis has showed how ecological innovations can become an important tool for implementing a sustainable development strategy, promoting environmentally responsible production and the preservation of planetary resources.
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