Barriers to Innovation in Water Treatment

Abstract

While phenomenal strides are being made on the technological front, the water industry lags behind other sectors in the adoption of innovative techniques. Contributing factors include long lifetimes and costs of previous water infrastructure, risk aversion due to public health concerns surrounding water access, and low financing for innovation. While many professionals see the need for innovation, they prefer traditional tried and tested routes. Regulations may be useful in accelerating the transition to sustainable technologies. Furthermore, the literature emphasizes the role of environmental, social, and political actors, as well as their interplay in realizing innovation in the water sector.