The eco-innovation versus economic development on the EU example

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present the results of research on the relationship between the Eco-innovation and the level of the economic development. The aim of the research was to confirm the hypothesis that countries with a higher level of economic development are also characterized by a higher level of eco-innovation. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was prepared on the basis of data on the Euro-pean Union, due to the large role that this organization attaches to this issue. For this pur-pose, the correlation of the GDP per capita in constant price with the index Eco-IS was ex-amined. Due to the nature of the data and their distribution, it was decided to use the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Findings: The analysis confirmed largely the hypothesis of a relatively large correlation of GDP and Eco-IS, but it was expected that this correlation would be higher. In addition, it was not expected that in recent years there would be a downward trend. Practical Implications: The development of eco-innovation is a necessary ‘tool’ to perma-nently reduce human pressure on the environment and efficient use of natural resources. Increasingly literature emphasizes the role of eco-innovation as one of the basic factors of sustainable development. It seems that economic development should entail greater concern for the environment and the development of eco-innovation. Originality/Value: There are no analyses indicating a link between the level of the eco-innovation and the level of the economic development. This study contributes to further research on this issue.