Only innovation that serves people and planet
Many technological innovations lead to more pollution and overconsumption. They are primarily focused on economic growth, but this comes at the expense of the environment and social justice. According to researchers Felix van Hoften and Rob van der Rijt, this needs to change. In their article for Real-World Economics Review, they advocate a different kind of innovation: one that fits within the principles of Degrowth.
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What is Degrowth?
Degrowth means less emphasis on economic growth and more focus on restoring the well-being of people, animals and nature. According to the researchers, innovation must always contribute to reducing the use of raw materials and energy in a fair and democratic manner.
If an innovation fails to meet these criteria, it should not be allowed to enter the market.
Four conditions for responsible innovation
In the scientific journal mentioned above, Van Hoften and Van der Rijt write that innovation must meet these four criteria:
- It reduces production and consumption and uses regenerative processes.
- It enhances social and economic justice for all.
- It improves and secures to the well-being of all life.
- It fosters and enhances democracy.
Who decides what constitutes good innovation?
The researchers believe that innovation should not be determined solely by business or the market. There needs to be more direct democracy by giving stakeholders such as employees, NGOs, and even nature a decisive voice. They also advocate smaller, cooperative companies that treat people and the environment more fairly. Large companies should be organised more democratically, for example with equal say for employees and shareholders.
What does Degrowth innovation look like?
Examples of responsible innovation according to the Degrowth conditions:
- Products that are easy to share, repair or recycle.
- Transport that encourages the use of public transport and cycling.
- Agricultural techniques that do not use pesticides and actually improve the quality of the soil, air and water.
- New materials such as biodegradable or easily recyclable bioplastics and bio-based building materials.
- Behavioural changes, such as eating more plant-based foods.
- Furniture that does not contribute to deforestation, but rather to reforestation – including in countries of origin.
What needs to change in terms of policy?
According to the authors, there needs to be a clear assessment of innovation. Governments can tailor subsidies, legislation, and tenders to the four Degrowth conditions. Companies that really want to contribute to the necessary restoration of ecosystems can then participate more quickly.
If we fail to do so, the authors warn, the climate and biodiversity crisis will worsen. And that means the loss of species and ecosystems that we will never get back.
The article (in English) in Real-World Economics Review can be read HERE.