Which are the energy efficiency determinants in Portuguese innovative firms?

Abstract

Since the high importance of eco-innovation for a sustained pursuit of energetic and environmental objectives, we analyze to what extent innovative Portuguese companies are concerned with the inclusion of innovations that improve energy efficiency. We use a panel sample of Portuguese companies and data from Community Innovation Survey for the period 2008–2010 that includes 3296 product and/or processes innovative firms. Using a logit model the determinants of energy efficiency innovations are studied. The results give special highlights to belonging or not to an economic group and the access to public finance as the main determinants. It also seems that organizational innovation comes usually hand by hand with eco-innovation. Consequently, it is highlighted the need to design cross-cutting policies to generate incentives for innovative firms in Portugal, and by sectors, to jointly tackle the challenges associated with energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.