We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The green economy transition: the challenges of technological change for sustainability
Summary
Researchers analyzed the major barriers to transitioning economies toward green, sustainable technologies, identifying five key challenges including managing global environmental risks, achieving radical rather than incremental change, and distributing the costs fairly. The article argues that addressing these challenges requires rethinking the roles of both private industry and government in driving sustainable innovation.
Abstract The Green Economy is an alternative vision for growth and development; one that can generate economic development and improvements in people’s lives in ways consistent with advancing also environmental and social well-being. One significant component of a green economy strategy is to promote the development and adoption of sustainable technologies. The overall objective of this article is to discuss a number of challenges encountered when pursuing sustainable technological change, and that need to be properly understood by policy makers and professionals at different levels in society. We also identify some avenues for future research. The discussions center on five challenges: (a) dealing with diffuse – and ever more global – environmental risks; (b) achieving radical and not just incremental sustainable technological change; (c) green capitalism and the uncertain business-as-usual scenario; (d) the role of the state and designing appropriate policy mixes; and (e) dealing with distributional concerns and impacts. The article argues that sustainable technological change will require a re-assessment of the roles of the private industry and the state, respectively, and that future research should increasingly address the challenges of identifying and implementing novel policy instrument combinations in various institutional contexts.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Radical changes are needed for transformations to a good Anthropocene
This paper argues that achieving a sustainable future requires radical changes to financial, legal, political, and governance systems, not just incremental improvements. The researchers present five key principles involving fundamental shifts in how societies think about growth, efficiency, government, shared resources, and justice. The study emphasizes that these transformations must happen together across neighborhoods, cities, and regions to stay within planetary boundaries.
The (in)compatibility of the Ecological Modernization Theory and Consumer Society
This review examines the compatibility between ecological modernization theory and consumer society, critically assessing whether economic growth and environmental protection can coexist through technological progress and green industry development. The authors find inherent tensions between the theory's assumptions and the consumption patterns that drive ecological degradation.
A systems thinking approach to understanding the challenges of achieving the circular economy
This paper used a systems thinking approach to identify the challenges blocking implementation of circular economy principles, going beyond the commonly discussed benefits to analyze the structural and societal barriers. It found that complex interdependencies between economic actors, infrastructure, regulation, and consumer behavior collectively obstruct circular economy transitions.
Fundamental Challenges and Opportunities for Textile Circularity
Researchers conducted qualitative research with textile industry stakeholders to identify fundamental challenges in transitioning to a circular economy. The study highlights urgent needs including standardized definitions to prevent greenwashing, improved sorting and recycling systems for post-consumer textiles, and innovations in mechanical recycling to maintain material value and reduce environmental pollution from textile waste.
Can fashion be sustainable? Trajectories of change in organizational, products and processes, and socio-cultural contexts
This article provides a comprehensive framework for understanding sustainability in the fashion industry across three key dimensions: organizational change, innovation in products and processes, and socio-cultural transformation. Researchers analyzed how shifts in management practices, materials science, and consumer behavior collectively shape the industry's sustainability efforts. The study highlights that meaningful progress requires coordinated action across all three dimensions rather than isolated initiatives.