Ecological Innovations Supporting Sustainable Development: The Case of the Polish Tire Industry

Valuable eco-innovations are emerging through increasingly close collaboration between the scientific community, industry, the energy sector, and public institutions supporting research, development, and the commercialization of new technologies that address specific market needs. Today, the implementation of eco-innovations is a key factor across many sectors and constitutes a significant barrier to market entry. This study identifies the key drivers of the implementation of eco-innovation in the Polish tire industry, which ranks among the lowest in the EU in terms of the adoption of eco-innovation. Legal regulations—particularly those related to the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—emerged as the strongest drivers, as indicated by over 60% of the companies surveyed. Financial support and incentives, such as tax relief, were emphasized by 70% of respondents as crucial for accelerating eco-innovation. This study also highlights significant barriers, including limited access to capital (cited by 65% of respondents) and the high costs associated with eco-innovative methods. Green public procurement and the certification status were recognized as important, albeit less impactful, factors. Expert interviews confirm these findings, underscoring the need for improved public funding mechanisms and stronger legislative support to overcome the current stagnation. This research concludes that without such measures, progress in eco-innovation within the sector may remain slow, thereby hindering the achievement of sustainable development goals.