Analysis of Environmental Patents in Japan from 1964 to 2008

Innovation is a key factor for achieving economic development and environmental preservation. This study examines the characteristics of environmentally innovative patents and clarifies the differences in patent data trends before and after big events and environmental policy changes. Our research target is the Japanese manufacturing sector from 1964 to 2008. Our major findings are (1) innovation was strongly triggered in pollution abatement by regulations and in product design by global standardization and market conditions, (2) product innovation becomes increasingly important for environmental management, and (3) policy needs to shift emphasis to promote product innovation in the life cycle process with an integrated perspective.