Review of EU projects with a focus on environmental quality: Innovation, eco-innovation, and circular-economy elements

The primary objective of this study is to delve into transnational projects conducted between 2014 and 2020, with a strong emphasis on environmental quality. Our focus is directed toward projects that encompass either eco-innovation or feature elements intrinsic to a circular economy. To achieve this goal, we introduce a pioneering analytical framework tailored to dissect transnational projects, which intricately interweaves the diverse dimensions of environmental quality and innovation, facilitating a comparative assessment across various program classifications. Our approach aligns with the overarching mission of the four flagship initiatives, in which we evaluate the combined impacts on sustainability and innovation. This evaluation considers three fundamental factors: (1) resource allocation, (2) innovation type, and (3) infusion of eco-innovation or circular economy elements. Our methodology unfolds through a systematic, step-by-step progression. First, we meticulously handpick programs, specifically Interreg, Horizon, and Life projects, within the scope of TSG3 (Environmental Quality). Each of these programs corresponds to one of the following four flagship initiatives: (1) overseeing and managing marine species, (2) fostering sustainable development in coastal and maritime zones, (3) safeguarding and elevating natural habitats and terrestrial ecosystems, and (4) formulating transnational contingency strategies for maritime accidents. Through an exhaustive review, we identify projects that either directly or indirectly champion eco-innovation or other facets of the circular economy. Concurrently, we uncover broader manifestations of innovation, eco-innovation, and circular economy principles. Employing the Oslo Manual as a guide, we methodically categorize these innovations into the product, process, organizational, and marketing domains. In the timeframe under scrutiny, a relatively modest subset of projects embraced eco-innovations and practices aligned with the circular economy. Our findings culminate in the formulation of practical implications to invigorate the integration of these dimensions.