Цель исследования – развитие методических основ исследования влияния экологических инноваций на эффективность деятельности промышленного предприятия. Объектом исследования выступают экологические инновации на промышленном предприятии. Научной новизной исследования является разработанный методический подход к исследованию влияния экологических инноваций на эффективность деятельности промышленного предприятия, базирующийся на техниках корреляционного анализа и предполагающий реализацию двух исследовательских стратегий: 1) изучение взаимосвязи объемов загрязнения атмосферного воздуха и объемов выпуска продукции; 2) изучение взаимосвязи объемов загрязнения атмосферного воздуха и сроков окупаемости инвестиционного проекта, связанного с экологической инновацией. / The purpose of the study is to develop the methodological foundations for studying the impact of environmental innovations on the efficiency of an industrial enterprise. The object of the research is ecological innovations at an industrial enterprise. The scientific novelty of the study is the developed methodological approach to the study of the impact of environmental innovations on the efficiency of an industrial enterprise, based on the techniques of correlation analysis and involving the implementation of two research strategies: 1) studying the relationship between the volume of air pollution and the volume of output; 2) study of the relationship between the volume of air pollution and the payback period of an investment project related to environmental innovation.

This research investigates eco-clusters as driver for greening regional economic policy and examines necessary incentive structures to foster eco-innovation as well as growth and employment in the eco-industry sector. Eco-clusters are seen in context with sustainability and environmental friendly behavior as means for a socio-ecological transition in the long run. The main hypothesis implies that eco-clusters have to be policy driven and established top-down and therefore differ from cluster structures in other industries. Possible reasons are uncertainty on a developing market as well as external effects of eco-innovations; the latter are seen as radical innovations. Based on theoretic findings for the establishment of clusters and general research findings for eco-clusters and eco-innovations, it is differentiated between a spontaneous cluster emergence from private initiatives through self-reinforcing forces of companies in a region (bottom-up), and the formation of a policy-driven network with primarily regional objectives to stimulate the competitive advantage of the regional industrial location (top-down). The hypothesis will be proofed by empirical results gained through personal interviews and complemented by findings in current research literature. Finally, implications for incentive structures to green economic policy are identified. It is shown that eco-clusters are different to other clusters and crucial for a long-term sustainable change and thus need political commitment and public incentives. For empirical observation, eco-clusters in Austria were selected. This research relates to the ongoing debate on green growth and develops policy incentives for establishment of eco-clusters and thus greening of economic policy. / Series: WWWforEurope