Ecological Modernization Theory and Sustainable Development Dilemmas: Who benefits from technological innovation?

Abstract

In this paper, I critically analyse the assertion by ecological modernization theorists that technological innovation and the application of market mechanisms would lead to sustainable development. Ecological modernization theory contends that advancement in technological efficiency and adoption of market mechanisms would create economic competitiveness and environmentally benign outcomes. Improvement in technological efficiency is widely seen as an ideal policy instrument in supporting global efforts to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gases emissions such as carbon dioxide. However, it appears that the advancement in technological innovation and existing market mechanisms have largely benefited transnational corporations from industrialized countries and undermined efforts to achieve sustainable development in less industrialized nations. Using empirical evidence from less industrialized nations, the paper shows how transnational corporations have relocated their pollution intensive technologies to less industrialized nations through trade or direct investment. In this paper, I argue that, relocating pollution intensive technologies in less industrialized nations may have profound implications for global efforts to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development goals. Keywords: Ecological modernization, sustainable development, transnational corporationsMasoud Dauda, Lecturer, University of Dar es Salaam;  Email: masouddauda@udsm.ac.tz