Environmental protection as a business driver

2007

In 2007, the German Federal Environmental Agency asked the German Institute for Economic Research, the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants to conduct a joint research project on innovation and the environment. The study examines various aspects of innovation-oriented environmental policy and includes detailed analyses of energy and resource efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable water management. It also makes a number of recommendations for how companies can use environmental protection as a business driver.

The ecological problems and challenges associated with global economic development have put environmental and resource protection right at the top of national and international agendas. Ecological problems represent an enormous social and political challenge, both globally and at the level of individual countries. The first hurdle is to resolve economic and social conflicts of interest. In addition, the various players involved – consumers and businesses – need to change their behavior patterns. At the same time, environmentally friendly innovation and new pro ecology technologies can also make a major contribution to finding solutions for ecological and economic challenges.

Germany has an important role to play here. As a leader in technology and a major industrial exporter, Germany currently faces extraordinary opportunities and enjoys enormous economic growth potential in this field. Worldwide demand for eco-friendly technology is set to experience dynamic growth. This development presents the German economy with significant growth opportunities and options for increased employment in both domestic and foreign markets.

Innovative technology is particularly important. Technological innovation can generate synergies between improvements in the environment, the creation of sustainable employment opportunities and increased competitiveness.

The full results of the study are contained in the report "Environmental protection as a business driver – Strengthening Germany's position in environmental technology".