Technological Capacity and Environmental Performance: A Research Note Using Country Level Data

Authors

  • Stephan Vachon Richard Ivey School of Business Western University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12660/joscmv1n1p21-28

Keywords:

environmental management, aggregate data, technology

Abstract

This research note examines, at the macro level, the impact of corporations' technology capacity on environmental performance. Technology capacity is loosely defined as the ability of corporations in a country to acquire or develop new technologies. Building on the IPAT equation from industrial ecology, this note proposes that technological capacity is the main channel for environmental performance improvement emerging from corporations. The analysis reveals that generally, technological capacity is linked with aggregate performance indicators and more particularly with higher degree of eco-efficiency. However, it appears that when looking at the absolute value of ecological stress, technological capacity is detrimental.

Author Biography

Stephan Vachon, Richard Ivey School of Business Western University

Assistant Professor at the Richard Ivey School Business, Western University. Prior to joining Western University, he held teaching position at Clarkson University and HEC Montreal. Dr. Vachon has published several papers related to environmental management in outlets like Production and Operations Management, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Journal of Cleaner Production, and the International Journal of Production Economics. His research interest include supply chain management, operations strategy and energy policy.

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Published

2012-07-18

Issue

Section

05.Sustainability of Operations