Some countries are earlier than others in the development and introduction of environmental innovations. Often, the leadership in technological development is accompanied by a leadership in environmental policy. The book provides an analysis of lead markets for innovations such as fuel cells, photovoltaics, and others. Contributions of innovation economics, policy analysis and environmental economics are assessed regarding their potential to explain the leadership of single countries. The book depicts the policy frameworks that are favourable to the creation of such lead markets on the basis of theoretical considerations and case studies. Finally, recommendations for R and D policies, environmental and industrial policies are derived.

Zusammenfassung

Why does one country take the lead over others in the development and introduction of environmental innovations? This book analyzes lead markets for innovations such as fuel cells and photovoltaics, and offers insight into why this is. The authors use case studies to illustrate the policy framework that favors environmental innovation, and offer recommendations for research and development, environmental and industrial policies.

Inhalt
Theoretical Approaches.- Towards an Integrated Model of the Lead Market for Environmental Innovations.- Case Studies of Lead Markets from Literature Studies.- The International Adoption of Photovoltaic Energy Conversion.- Fuel Cells in Stationary Applications.- Fuel Cells for Mobile Applications.- Technologies to Reduce Harmful Emissions in Diesel Vehicles.- Lead Markets for VOC-Reduced Paints.- Potentials for Substituting Paper by Electronic Media.- Technologies for Paper Recycling.- Regulations Promoting Socially Responsible Investment.- Comparison of In-Depth Case Studies.- Policy Patterns to Develop International Markets of Innovations for Sustainability.- Policies for Lead Markets.