Invention and Transfer of Environmental Technologies

The work presented in this book is brought together in five substantive chapters: environmental policy design characteristics and their role in inducing innovation, the role of public policies (including multilateral agreements) in encouraging transfer of environmental technologies, followed by three ‘sectoral’ studies of innovation in alternative fuel vehicles, solid waste management and recycling, and green (sustainable) chemistry.

Inducing environmental innovation is a significant challenge to policy-makers.
Efforts to design public policies that address these issues are motivated by the fact that innovations can allow for improved environmental quality at lower cost.
However, the relationship between environmental policy and technological innovation remains an area in which empirical evidence is scant. Increased attention should be paid to the design characteristics of public policies that are likely to affect the ‘type’ of innovation induced.
While particular focus has been placed on the role of environmental policy in bringing about the innovation documented, it is recognised that other factors play a key role in inducing innovation which has positive environmental implications.

Table of Contents
List of Acronyms
Executive Summary
Chapter 1. Environmental Policy Design Characteristics and Innovation
Introduction
Environmental policy design characteristics as determinants of innovation.
Indicator of innovation in general environmental technologies
Empirical evidence on the effect of environmental policy characteristics on innovation
Concluding remarks
Notes
References
Chapter 2. Environmental Policy, Multilateral Environmental Agreements and International Markets for Innovation
Introduction
International transfer of environmental technologies
Environmental regulation and fragmentation of innovation markets
Multilateral environmental agreements and technology transfer
Conclusions
Notes
References
Annex 2.A1. Emissions of SOX and NOX in OECD Countries
Annex 2.A2. Signatories of the LRTAP Convention and Selected Protocols
Annex 2.A3. Excerpts from the Protocols Related to Technology Transfer
Chapter 3. Innovation in Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technologies: The Role of Prices, Standards and R&D
Introduction
Technology overview
Invention in AFV technologies: Evidence from patent data
Government policies aimed at AFV technologies: An overview
Adoption of AFV technologies
Innovation effects of government policies: Empirical evidence based on patent data
Conclusions and policy implications
Notes
References
Chapter 4. Diverting Waste: The Role of Innovation
Introduction
General waste recycling patent trends
Packaging waste innovation and policies
End-of-life vehicle innovation and policies
Composting innovation and policies
Conclusions
Notes
References
Chapter 5. Innovation in Selected Areas of Green Chemistry
Introduction
Green chemistry initiatives
Important areas of green chemistry
Measuring innovation in green chemistry
Major trends in selected green chemistry inventive activity
The effect of public policy on green chemistry innovation
Conclusions
Notes
References
Chapter 6. Policy Conclusions
Annex A. Methodological Issues in the Development of Indicators of Innovation and Transfer in Environmental Technologies
Annex B. Patent Search Strategies
Annex C. Glossary of Relevant Patent and Related Terms
Annex D. Patent Data at OECD.Stat