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Firm collaboration and environmental adaptation. The case of the Swedish pulp and paper industry 1900–1990.

Authors :
Söderholm, Kristina
Bergquist, Ann-Kristin
Source :
Scandinavian Economic History Review; Jun2012, Vol. 60 Issue 2, p183-211, 29p
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

This article addresses the importance of research and development (R&D) collaboration for environmental adaptation in the Swedish pulp and paper industry. It reviews the collaborative efforts initiated during the first half of the twentieth century, and investigates in particular how these efforts were influenced by the advent of modern environmental legislation in the late 1960s. We find that during the early period the underlying motives for environmental R&D collaboration were related to the presence of local resistance to pollution, over time turning into increased requirements from tightening environmental regulation. When the Swedish Environmental Protection Act was implemented in 1969, the long-lasting tradition of collaborative R&D activities facilitated the development and the adaptation of cleaner technologies in the sector. The article concludes that in the case of the Swedish pulp and paper industry, the significant environmental improvements witnessed during the 1960s and onwards can only be fully comprehended by acknowledging the role of the industry-wide collaborative activities in R&D. The positive outcomes of this collaboration were in turn reinforced by an environmental regulation system, which facilitated long-term investments in environmental R&D and, in contrast to their Finnish and American counterparts, encouraged internal process changes in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03585522
Volume :
60
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Scandinavian Economic History Review
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
77191840
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/03585522.2012.693272