OECD report on Fostering Innovation for Green Growth

A recently published report from the OECD has argued that relying on pricing mechanisms alone will not be enough to encourage green growth. Countries should also invest in improving their infrastructure and research capabilities, as well as helping with the dissemination of research results.

Public research, it suggests, “helps address fundamental scientific challenges and foster technologies that are considered too risky, uncertain or long-gestating for the private sector”. By funding research governments can therefore help drive long-term innovation and tackle fundamental scientific challenges.

Carbon pricing remains an important incentive, but tends to drive only gradual innovation, which can lead to increased consumption, as for example has happened in the area of personal transport.

The report also encourages governments to take a greater role in spreading new technologies, as well as supporting general infrastructure and the conditions for alternative technologies. ICT systems or storage technologies, for example, have a wide range of applications and provide great scope for further green innovation.

The Fostering Innovation for Green Growth report was produced as part of the OECD’s green growth strategy. For more information and to download a copy, click here.