Precautionary principle can boost innovation, says environment agency

The precautionary principle should be applied more often to emerging technologies to encourage innovation, as well as avoid health and environmental damage, says the European Environment Agency (EEA).

In a report published on 23 January, the EEA argues that the use of precautionary measures does not stifle innovation, but can in fact promote it when applied in combination with regulation and tax measures. The precautionary principle states that some actions should be taken in the face of risk, even when the overall extend of risk is not clear, to avoid damage.