The Influence of the Conception of Green Economy on the Innovative Development of Export-Import Activities of Ukraine

Abstract

The conception of «green economy» is becoming an important factor in transforming the global economic system, defining new principles for conducting export-import activities and promoting the development of environmentally oriented innovations. The aim of this research is to analyze the impact of the green economy on the innovative development of export-import activities, to identify the main directions for the greening of export-import operations, as well as to compare the approaches of Ukraine and the EU to the introduction of ecological standards and regulation in this sphere. To achieve this aim, the authors have analyzed scientific approaches to the interpretation of the green economy and its role in the formation of global trade relations, the mechanisms of ecological regulation of international trade, the impact of ecological standards on the structure of exports and imports, as well as the opportunities for integrating innovative technologies to enhance the ecological efficiency of foreign economic activities. In the course of the study, the key principles of green economy affecting international trade have been identified, including sustainable development, resource efficiency, innovation, financial stimulation, and international harmonization of regulations. It is found that under the influence of these principles, the export-import activities are transformed through the introduction of technological, product, financial, process, and institutional innovations. The article also compares the environmental policies of Ukraine and the EU, which allows for the identification of the main differences and opportunities for adapting European experience to improve Ukraine’s export-import activities. The result of the research is a generalized structure of the relationships between the green economy, innovations, and the outcomes of developing the export-import activities, which enables a comprehensive assessment of the role of environmental transformations in the foreign economic sphere. It is noted that environmental innovations not only contribute to reducing the negative impact on the environment but also open up new opportunities for increasing the competitiveness of the national economy, expanding sales markets, and attracting investments.