opic: How do we create frameworks to evaluate systemic impacts of green innovation?

-There is no perfect solution to systemic issues. When one problem is solved another is created i.e. there are always tradeoffs

-Problems can be ranked (risk assessment)

Problem: Why are company’s incentives not aligned towards long-term sustainability?

-Companies and society should have the same long-term goal: Sustainability. All of our fates are intertwined

-Companies that are taking greater responsibility for sustainable issues are going to be in a better position in 10 years.

-Evaluation of interests are often viewed in the short-term in the window of shareholder return


Issue: Can the government create a regulatory framework for systemic evaluation of green innovation?

-Is it necessary for the federal government to regulate new technology on a federal level?

-Is technology is moving too fast for regulation?

-Small businesses developing new technologies often times don't have the resources to conduct risk assessment. Is small business innovation being stifled by regulations?

- Solution: Work to spread information on developing technologies faster to make negative externalities more well understood


Issue: Nuclear energy development

Problem: Disposal of nuclear waste. No one wants nuclear waste in their backyard. Radioactive waste is around forever. How long is long-term? 10 years, 100 years, 1000 years? Long term economic costs of disposal.

Solution: Creating small term local development of alternative energy. Creating ethical innovation. Where is the vetting process for new technologies: government, industry, individual stakeholders. Transparency is crucial.