Drivers and barriers to the implementation of eco-innovation in the steel and metal industry in Poland

Implementation of eco-innovations plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development. This is particularly important in the industries characterized by the high level of energy and pollution intensity. Therefore, the studies of eco-innovation determinants are very important for the efficient stimulation of such activities. The main purpose of this article was to identify the drivers and barriers to eco-innovations on the basis of the empirical analysis of steel and metal enterprises in Poland. The study has shown that the most important motivations to introduce eco-innovations are: the opportunity of the cost savings, existing environmental regulations, improving of corporate image and securing or increasing existing market share. The main obstacles to the implementation of eco-innovations are: the lack of external financing, uncertain return on investment for eco-innovation, the lack of funds within enterprises and the lack or uncertain market demand for green products. The results of conducted research indicate differences between the drivers of product and process eco-innovations. The level of the product eco-innovation's implementation is mostly related to demand side factors. On the other hand, the level of process eco-innovation's adoption is related with regulatory, supply side as well as demand side factors. Due to diversity of identified drivers, the selected instruments to support eco-innovation activities in the Steel and Metal Industry were also presented.