The discourse of eco-innovation in the European Union: An analysis of the Eco-Innovation Action Plan and Horizon 2020

摘要: Abstract In recent years, the search for innovative pathways towards sustainability has been brought to forefront of international agenda settings. While organisations and institutions, such as United Nations European Union (EU), mobilised around grand challenge sustainability, on both a local global scale, eco-innovation key concept (or buzzword) started emerging consolidating in policy documents funding schemes. By focusing context, this paper aims explore how discourse framed by EU research programmes Horizon 2020 since introduction 2011 Eco-Innovation Action Plan. The review was conducted using content analysis methods designed disclose framing programmes. article presents three main findings: mostly become constructed notion eco-efficiency; is overwhelmingly dialectic between state vs private actors whereas stakeholders third sector cooperatives, non-governmental organisations, social enterprises, community-based initiatives are largely neglected; buzzword losing relevance through years favour new rising ‘circular economy’. concludes suggesting that construction circular economy may provide opportunities embrace more eco-centric inclusive approaches economics, stronger systematic inclusion not-for-profit organisations.