Inovação e desenvolvimento econômico: impactos na performance ambiental em escala global

Abstract

The present thesis delves into the complex interactions between environmental performance, innovation, and economic development in a constantly evolving global context. Across three distinct articles, various facets of these crucial relationships are explored, offering insights for understanding and formulating public policies and business strategies aimed at a more sustainable and equitable future. In the first article, a comprehensive analysis involving 102 countries from 2008 to 2022 reveals a bidirectional relationship between economic development, innovation, and environmental performance. It was demonstrated that both economic development and innovation influence environmental performance, and vice versa, with tangible impacts both in the short and long term. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms connecting innovation and economic development to environmental performance, thus providing a solid foundation for public policies oriented towards sustainable development. In the second article, the research delved deeper into the interaction between per capita GDP, innovation, and environmental performance in 102 countries during the same period, considering the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The results revealed important nuances, especially when innovation was incorporated into the analysis. In addition to confirming the presence of the EKC, a new perspective, the Claudia Innovation Curve (CCI), was introduced, highlighting how an increase in innovation may initially result in environmental challenges but eventually lead to substantial improvements, thus emphasizing the importance of innovation policies aligned with sustainability. Finally, the third article focused on the influence of an innovative environment on sustainable economic growth and environmental performance in 65 nations in 2022. The results obtained through structural equation modeling corroborated the importance of investments in education and research to drive innovation and, consequently, promote sustainable economic development. Additionally, the synergy between innovation and environmental performance was highlighted, reinforcing the need for differentiated policies to effectively address global challenges. By integrating the findings of these three articles, this dissertation offers a holistic view of the interactions between innovation, economic development, and environmental performance on a global scale. Beyond contributing to the advancement of academic knowledge, these findings have significant practical implications, providing guidance for policy formulation and decision-making aimed at a more sustainable and balanced future.