The challenge of greening technologies—Environmental policy integration in Finnish technology policies

The integration of environmental principles into other policies is perceived as essential in order to combat environmental problems as efficiently as possible. Environmental policy integration in Finnish technology policies is assessed empirically by focusing on technological R&D support at all levels, from policy strategies to project funding decisions. The actors making and implementing technology policies have grasped the idea of environmental protection and environmental issues have been identified especially at the strategy level and in some technology programmes. However, the integration is not overarching and no assessment of environmental impacts is required in funding applications.