This book, originally published in 1995, examines the evolution of environmental policy in 6 OECD countries. Through numerous examples, it contrasts the widely-varying political and regulatory styles and their consequences for innovation. Two industry-specific case studies provide a transnational perspective on the co-evolution of technology and environmental policy. The book concludes that innovation can be successfully harnessed by setting credible, long-term environmental goals and ensuring that regulatory instruments are grounded in flexibility, dialogue and trust.


This report, first published in 1996, argues that radical changes in industrial organization and its relationship to society tend to arise in rapidly industrializing countries, and that new principles of sustainable production are more likely to bear fruit in developing than in developed countries. The rising tide of investment by multinational firms – who bring managerial, organizational and technological expertise – is a major resource for achieving this. Developing countries could steer such investment towards environmental goals through coherent and comprehensive policies for sustainable development.