Innovation and environmental well-being: Exploring the nexus between industrial development and soil contamination across European regions

Abstract In this study, we investigate the relationship between industrial development, soil contamination by heavy metals, and the development of remediation technologies across European NUTS3 regions. Despite the recognized human and environmental hazards associated with products or by-products of industrial activities such as heavy metals (especially lead, cadmium, and mercury), the response to these environmental challenges varies significantly across regions. Our analysis proposes a novel approach to assess the complex relationship between human well-being and different types of regional industrialization by considering the local presence of heavy metals in soils and the filing of patents related to heavy metal remediation technologies. Findings show that non-deindustrialized regions demonstrate a proactive approach by significantly innovating in cleaning technologies in response to soil contamination. Conversely, regions experiencing deindustrialization show a limited response, likely due to a loss in industrial and technological capabilities or institutional weaknesses. By linking soil contamination data with technological innovation, this study offers new insights into the regional dynamics of environmental management and the critical role of recent industrial history in influencing technological responses to environmental challenges.