ECO INNOVATION DYNAMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITIONS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE AND THE WESTERN BALKANS
Provider: Aliance AcrossEU
Programme: Seed Funding 2026
Implementation period: 01.05.26 - 30.03.27
Workplace:
Fakulta ekonomicko-správní - Oddělení projektů FES
Investigator: Prokop ViktorTeam member: Brožková Dominika
Description:
The objective of the project is to examine eco-innovation dynamics and sustainability transition pathways in catching-up territories of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Western Balkans (WB), while strengthening research collaboration between involved institutions. The project focuses on analysing regulatory frameworks, eco-innovation performance, and institutional capacities shaping green transformation in countries generally seen as less environmentally concerned and efficient. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the topic, the research draws on complementary expertise in business and economics, sustainability studies, and public and regional policy. Eco-innovation is widely recognised as a key driver of sustainability transitions, supporting environmental improvements and economic effectiveness. However, many transition economies face structural limitations, including weaker innovation systems, limited institutional capacity, and lower levels of green investment, which slow the diffusion of sustainable technologies. Within the EU policy framework, initiatives such as the Green Agenda for the WB emphasise innovation ecosystems, smart specialisation, and green industrial policies as key instruments for sustainable convergence with the EU. The project therefore aims to assess how eco-innovation contributes to green structural transformation within the EU integration context. Through four mobility periods, the partners will develop a shared research agenda, establish a joint database, and prepare a co-authored manuscript for submission to a high-impact peer-reviewed journal. Workshops and lectures will disseminate findings, support students and young researchers, and lead to a policy brief with recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
The objective of the project is to examine eco-innovation dynamics and sustainability transition pathways in catching-up territories of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Western Balkans (WB), while strengthening research collaboration between involved institutions. The project focuses on analysing regulatory frameworks, eco-innovation performance, and institutional capacities shaping green transformation in countries generally seen as less environmentally concerned and efficient. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the topic, the research draws on complementary expertise in business and economics, sustainability studies, and public and regional policy. Eco-innovation is widely recognised as a key driver of sustainability transitions, supporting environmental improvements and economic effectiveness. However, many transition economies face structural limitations, including weaker innovation systems, limited institutional capacity, and lower levels of green investment, which slow the diffusion of sustainable technologies. Within the EU policy framework, initiatives such as the Green Agenda for the WB emphasise innovation ecosystems, smart specialisation, and green industrial policies as key instruments for sustainable convergence with the EU. The project therefore aims to assess how eco-innovation contributes to green structural transformation within the EU integration context. Through four mobility periods, the partners will develop a shared research agenda, establish a joint database, and prepare a co-authored manuscript for submission to a high-impact peer-reviewed journal. Workshops and lectures will disseminate findings, support students and young researchers, and lead to a policy brief with recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
