Cooperative research and development and sustainable development in aluminium industry

Abstract

Effective use of resources, energy efficiency, health and safety in the workforce and green gas emissions are important considerations for sustainability of the aluminium industry. Technological advances help to improve productivity, reduce costs, save resources, lower air pollution and reduce injury risk in the workforce and thus determine sustainability of the industry. This paper argues that cooperative research and development brings technological advances and improves sustainable performance in the industry. An analysis of 224 respondents from 22 firms in the Chinese aluminium industry identifies a significant correlation between cooperative research and development and sustainability in the sector. These results have implications for government, industry and managers.