The Role of Technological Innovation and Trade Openness in Promoting Environmental Sustainability in the GCC Nations

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, exacerbating environmental degradation. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 and 13 advocate for sustainable cities and societies and climate action, respectively. To this end, the GCC needs effective policies. This research uniquely explores the role of technological innovations, human development index (HDI), and trade openness in bolstering environmental sustainability. It focuses on the six GCC countries, using a dataset spanning from 1990 to 2020. The study employs contemporary methodologies, including the Methods of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), to yield robust results and formulate strong policies. Notably, the research finds that patents, a key aspect of technological innovation and trade openness, can reduce pollutant emissions in the GCC nations. Conversely, per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP), HDI, research & development (R&D), and fossil fuels contribute to increased pollutant emissions in the region. The study’s key policy recommendations advocate for the enhancement of trade openness and patents to achieve environmental sustainability.