Europe advances in eco-innovation, but the gap between countries remains a challenge

A study by the University of Seville analyzes two decades of eco-innovation in the European Union, revealing uneven progress in sustainability and technological innovation.

The research evaluates investments in R&D and spending on environmental protection, comparing them with results such as energy efficiency and ecological patents. It concludes that the EU is not making uniform progress.

Germany and Sweden are transforming investment into technological development, and countries such as Italy and Belgium are stagnating in innovation, despite their resource efficiency.

The report reveals a key disconnect: environmental spending improves material efficiency, but does not drive technological innovation.

This suggests the need for more balanced and coordinated strategies in the EU to reduce inequalities and ensure sustainable progress in all countries.