Green Innovation: industrial policy for a low-carbon future

Green innovation: industrial policy for a low carbon future

This report for the TUC by Prof Paul Ekins and Will McDowall argues that government has a key leadership role in creating a “dynamic and vibrant innovation system” that meets society’s environmental and economic aspirations. The direction the UK’s economic growth now takes depends much on government vision and leadership in driving eco-innovation. Innovation is essential for greening growth. Government role in shaping direction of innovation is inevitable: government cannot simply ‘get out of the way’. Innovation policy is not currently aligned with aspirations for a green economy. A more active, dynamic approach is required. Authors: Professor Paul Ekins, Director, Professor of Resources and Environmental Policy, UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources; and Will McDowall, Senior Research Associate, UCL Energy Institute/UCL Green Economy Commission.