Back to Search
Start Over
A Policy Mix for Resource Efficiency in the EU: Key Instruments, Challenges and Research Needs.
- Source :
-
Ecological Economics . Jan2019, Vol. 155, p59-69. 11p. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Abstract Against the background of an often wasteful use of natural resources, the European Union has made resource efficiency a top policy priority. Policy formulation is, however, at a very early stage in many Member States, with often vague notions of what resource efficiency means, characterised by fragmented instruments and overlapping competencies. This paper develops a conceptual framework for defining, assessing and developing resource efficiency policy mixes. It argues that a mix of policies and instruments is best suited to overcoming the complex challenges of the 21st Century. Such a mix addresses multiple resource domains at a strategic, high level and contains interacting instruments targeting multiple actors, levels of governance and sectors and life-cycle stages of resource use. This paper looks at criteria for effective resource efficiency policy instruments, presents both an indicative policy mix across 9 policy domains and case studies (on environmental harmful subsidies, supply chain efficiency in food systems and product-service systems) and identifies key challenges to overcome trade-offs in instrument design, maximise synergies, reduce conflicts, promote coherence, coordinate activities and move from theory to practice. Research needs are discussed regarding who shall devise, implement, and coordinate such a policy mix, considering negotiating power, timing and complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *NATURAL resources
*PRODUCTION (Economic theory)
*SUPPLY chains
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09218009
- Volume :
- 155
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Ecological Economics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 132577244
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.05.004