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4. Introduction of innovations producing environmental benefits in 2006-2008

This time the Innovation Survey also examined the prevalence of innovations producing environmental benefits and what the environmental benefits attained by innovations were like and for which reason environmental innovations were introduced.

By definition, environmental innovation here refers to a new or significantly improved product (good or service), process or method linked to an organisation or marketing, which compared with alternative renovations produces environmental benefits. The environmental benefits to be gained can be the main target of the innovation or the result of other objectives of the innovation. The environmental benefits of the innovation may appear during the production of the good or service or during the end use of products.

Nearly two thirds of those with innovations in 2006 to 2008 reported adoption of innovations that had produced environmental benefits. In manufacturing the share was 73 per cent of the innovating enterprises and in services 53 per cent. The most common environmental benefits related to production of products was more efficient utilisation of materials and more effective use of energy per unit produced and recycling of waste, water and materials used in production. Intensification of energy use was mentioned most generally of the environmental benefits related to the end use of products. Introduction of innovations producing environmental benefits and the environmental benefits produced by innovations appeared more often in manufacturing than in services. Then again, larger enterprises reported environmental benefits and innovations producing environmental benefits more frequently than small ones.

Environmental benefits of innovations in manufacturing and services, 2006–2008, share of enterprises with innovations

Enterprises thought the most important reasons for introducing environmental benefits were the demand for environmental innovations and voluntary agreements and instructions related to environment-friendly activity. One half of those having adopted environmental innovations in 2006 to 2008 were of the opinion that their customers’ present or future demand for environmental innovations had brought about introduction of environmental innovations. Similarly, nearly one half responded that voluntary agreements or instructions relating to environment-friendly activity in the enterprise’s industry had caused adoption of environmental innovations.

Reasons for introducing environmental innovations in manufacturing and services, 2006–2008, share of enterprises with environmental innovations

Source: Innovation 2008, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Mervi Niemi (09) 1734 3263, tiede.teknologia@stat.fi

Director in charge: Leena Storgårds

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Updated 10.6.2010