R&D innovation — Developing system solutions

Abstract

Without environmental or green technology neither companies nor government will be able to find answers to the problems arising from the perfect storm of megatrends of the twenty-first century: swelling populations, urbanization, globalization, and climate change. Research and development (R&D) is crucial for enabling the green technology sector to grow rapidly and dynamically. It is the key to gaining competitive advantage and maintaining a hold on markets. R&D advancements will also be responsible for making products and processes cheaper to manufacture and use, thus speeding up their widespread commercialization. Green businesses cannot hope to counter the adverse effects of the megatrends if e-cars remain a novelty or customers feel encumbered by alterations to their heating or air-cooling systems. Green technology will be a success when we no longer differentiate between green and traditional products and services.