Innovation plays an important role in ensuring the right balance in environmental systems and in ensuring social welfare in different spheres of society. This volume sheds light on innovation processes through the analysis of research and development expenditures (R&D) or patent data. In particular, the chapters further explore the innovation process of firms, the relative impact of employment, and the interactions with environmental issues.

The book further examines the role of technological innovation in the energy and agricultural sectors from an environmental point of view, discussing how it ensures significant improvements in energy efficiency, sustainable resource management, and recycling. Additionally, the central role of technological innovation in social welfare is discussed, including new technologies that can improve access to education, health, and employment.

The book features theoretical and empirical contributions from the fields of economics of innovation and relative public policies and will appeal to students, scholars, and researchers interested in a better understanding of innovation economics, environmental economics, employment effects of digital innovation, liquidity constraints, and productivity.