Spatial Distribution of Eco-Innovation Performance: Evidence from European Countries

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the paper is twofold. Firstly, it attempts to assess the spatial pattern of eco-innovation performance in European countries and to identify economies which are efficient in transforming eco-innovation inputs into outputs. Secondly, it endeavours to examine eco-innovation efficiency distribution and existence of spatial externalities across European countries. Design/Methodology/Approach: The sample consists of 21 European countries. We use two eco-innovations inputs and two eco-innovation outputs to measure eco-innovation performance. To calculate eco-innovation efficiency, we apply DEA method. In our research, mapping and Moran's I are employed to find the spatial pattern of eco-innovation performance. Findings: The results show that high and medium-high eco-innovation inputs and ecoinnovation outputs are mainly concentrated in countries in the Northern and West Central Europe, while low and medium-low eco-innovation inputs and eco-innovation outputs are performed in the East Central and Southern European countries. The findings confirm the presence of a negative spatial autocorrelation process in eco-innovation efficiency. Practical Implications: Identification of the eco-innovation distribution in the spatial scope is undoubtedly of high political importance, as it should enable to adjust policy actions aimed at improving eco-innovation efficiency to spatial characteristics of a given economy. Originality/Value: Since the issue of spatial characteristics of eco-innovation is still not sufficiently explored in the relevant literature, our paper attempts to fill a cognitive and methodological gap in the investigation of the spatial aspects of eco-innovation performance in the European countries.

Study on the Spatial and Temporal Evolution Patterns of Green Innovation Efficiency and Driving Factors in Three Major Urban Agglomerations in China—Based on the Perspective of Economic Geography

“…The spatial heterogeneity and impact mechanisms of green innovation found in this paper are also present in other developed and developing countries such as Europe [77], Finland [78], and Myanmar [79]. In the context that sustainable development has become a global consensus, both the UK, US, Australia, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, and developing countries such as India, Iran, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, and Egypt are generally under pressure to transition to sustainable development.…”

“…In addition, Corradini said that green technology patents are very unevenly distributed among European countries [76]. Kijek and Matras-Bolibok pointed out that countries with high and medium-high eco-innovation capacity are in northern and central-western Europe, while those with medium-low and low eco-innovation capacity are in central-eastern and southern Europe [77]. It can be seen that the spatial cluster and spatial differences exhibited by green innovation are geographic phenomena common to different regions and different countries.…”

Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Driving Mechanism of Green Innovation in China

“…In addition, Corradini said that green technology patents are very unevenly distributed among European countries [76]. Kijek and Matras-Bolibok pointed out that countries with high and medium-high eco-innovation capacity are in northern and central-western Europe, while those with medium-low and low eco-innovation capacity are in central-eastern and southern Europe [77]. Caratù and Mazzanti et al also suggested that green technology patents are significantly more in northern Italy than in other regions [78].…”