Theme 4: Business, Environment and Economy
Research Projects 05/06
Research previously commissioned under this theme explored the links between the environment and competitiveness. Defra commissioned three closely linked review studies which covered distinct aspects of this relationship. One looked at the impact of Government policy interventions on competitiveness, one looked at the impact of environmental performance in businesses on competitiveness, and one looked at the impact of Government policy interventions on environmental performance in businesses. The Theme 3 projects diagram (PDF 17 KB) illustrates the links between the projects.
Project EP01023 Literature review: exploring the relationship between environmental regulation and competitiveness.
This review of available evidence suggests that regulation can, under certain circumstances, stimulate innovation and efficiency gains without an adverse impact on competitiveness.
Project EV02005: Exploring the relationship between environmental performance and business competitiveness.
This study found a positive link between improved environmental performance and enhanced firm financial performance.
Project EV02006: Improving business environmental performance: Corporate incentives and drivers for innovation in environmental decision making.
This project examined corporate decision-making processes, and provides analysis of which approaches (from Environmental Management Systems to government-sponsored initiatives) are most effective at influencing environmental performance.
Workshop on links between environment and competitiveness
The outputs from the reports were brought together in a one-day workshop on Wednesday 15 March 2006. Key aims of the workshop were to:
- Disseminate and test emerging findings from the studies commissioned by Defra.
- Identify research gaps in our understanding and/or evidence base in the Business Environmental Performance and Competitiveness research theme.
- Pinpoint what and where research needs to be directed in the future to develop the evidence base for this theme.
A synthesis report bringing together presentations and discussions from the workshop has been produced:
Synthesis report from Environment and Competitiveness workshop (PDF 700 KB)Page published: 23 January 2008