This own-initiative report is based on the Commission communication ‘Innovation for a sustainable future: the eco-innovation action plan’. The report highlights the potential of eco-innovation to boost the economy and to increase competitiveness, as well as having a positive effect on employment. Moreover, it reiterates the fact that eco-innovation generates environmental benefits and can play a considerable role in shifting to a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy, thereby addressing global challenges such as climate change, scarcity of natural resources and issues related to food safety and food security.
In order to accelerate eco-innovation and make better use of its potential, further action is needed in different areas, such as reinforcing the legal framework on sustainable development in various sectors to serve as a driver of innovation; strengthening the research base and setting up links to innovative enterprises; investing in education, training and re-training; facilitating access to funding by making better use of existing EU financial instruments and initiatives, and promoting successful examples of eco-innovation.