Diffusion of eco-innovations: A review

Literature in the field of eco-innovations often focuses on policy, regulations, technology, market and firm specific factors rather than diffusion. However, understanding of diffusion of eco-innovations recently has gained more importance given the fact that some eco-innovations are already at a mature stage. This paper aims to clarify the concept of diffusion of eco-innovation and provide a current overview of this emerging literature. Within this review framework, we identify the most cited relevant publications and corresponding research streams. We also describe the strengths and limitations of these research streams in the concept of diffusion of eco-innovations. The results summarize insights from different research streams in different disciplines and outline an entry point for researchers new to the emerging field of diffusion of eco-innovations.