The Policies of Learning Economy to Achieve Sustainable Development

Subject Areas : Environmental Economics

Mohammad Mohammadi Ashnani ¹ , Tahereh Miremadi ² , Afshin Danekar ³ , Majid Makhdoom Farkhonde ⁴ , Vahid Majed ⁵

1 - Ph.D in Environmental Sciences, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran * (Corresponding Author)
2 - Associate Professor, Research Centre for Science and Technology Policy and Diplomacy, Iranian Organizations for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
3 - Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran
4 - Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, College of agriculture & natural resources, University of Tehran
5 - Assistant Professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Economics, Faculty of Economics, University of Tehran, Iran

Received: 2015-08-31 Accepted : 2016-05-16 Published : 2020-04-20

Keywords: environmental economics, innovation, Learning economy, Sustainable development,

Abstract :

Background and Objective: Althoughthe progress of science and technology promoted industrial productivity and competitiveness, as well as the standard and quality of life has widely improved, but these factors are the root causes of present instability and they have caused new problems that need complex specialized sciences and technologies that are more expensive. Method: The research method of this paper is based on the content analysis paradigm and system analysis method. Given the limitations of the traditional economic model, new approaches to environmental economics and innovation have been analyzed and the challenges of achieving sustainable development and its components have been addressed. Findings: Humanity's future depends on whether it can develop an economic and social system with the "throughput" of matter and energy that respects ecological limits, and this is the ultimate challenge for the learning economy. Based on the obtained analytical results, choice framework of policy instruments, the characteristics of each and the timing of the use of these policy instruments to promote of sustainable development is presented. Discussion and Conclusion: This study showed that although we are rapidly reaching the threshold of operational growth and at that point, there is no capacity for more net harvesting from nature, growth is still possible by focusing on the principles and capacities of of environmental economics.

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