THE IMPACT OF INNOVATION AND INDUSTRIALIZATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN AZERBAIJAN

Abstract

In contemporary literature, the pursuit of sustainable growth and the fight against environmental degradation are actively monitored in both developed and developing economies. Azerbaijan, an economy that has rapidly expanded since gaining independence, relies significantly on its energy sector as one of the primary drivers of growth. Consequently, environmental degradation in Azerbaijan is substantial, making the reduction of ecological deficits highly important. This study examines the impact of innovation and industrialization on environmental degradation in Azerbaijan, based on data from the period 1996– 2022. To estimate both long- and short-term relationships, the ARDL cointegration method is applied, and causality is assessed using the Toda-Yamamoto causality analysis. The results highlight the need to enhance environmental policies in Azerbaijan, align R&D expenditures with sustainability goals, invest in eco-friendly technologies, and support the green economy through targeted incentives.

Keywords

• Ecological footprint
• Sustainable development
• Industrialization
• R&D expenditures

AZERBAYCAN’DA İNOVASYON VE SANAYİLEŞMENİN ÇEVRESEL BOZULMA ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİ

Öz

Günümüz literatüründe hem gelişmiş hem de gelişmekte olan ekonomilerde çevresel bozulmayla mücadele ve sürdürülebilir büyüme konusu aktif bir şekilde takip edilmektedir. Azerbaycan, bağımsızlığını kazandığı günden bugüne hızla büyüyen bir ekonomidir ve büyümenin temel kaynaklarından biri enerji sektörüdür. Bu nedenle Azerbaycan’da çevresel bozulma oldukça yüksektir ve ekolojik açıklığın azaltılması büyük önem taşımaktadır. Çalışmada, 1996-2022 dönemi baz alınarak Azerbaycan’da inovasyonun ve sanayileşmenin çevresel bozulma üzerindeki etkisi araştırılmaktadır. Uzun ve kısa dönem ilişkiyi tahmin etmek için ARDL eşbütünleşme yöntemi, nedenselliği belirlemek için Toda-Yamamoto nedensellik analizi uygulanmıştır. Sonuç olarak Azerbaycan’da çevre politikalarının geliştirilmesi, AR-GE harcamalarının sürdürülebilirlikle uyumlu hale getirilmesi, çevreci teknolojilere yatırım yapılması ve yeşil ekonominin teşviklerle desteklenmesi gerekmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Ekolojik ayak izi
• Sürdürülebilir kalkınma
• Sanayileşme
• AR- GE harcamaları

Kaynakça

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