Under the Government's productivity plan released in July 2015, all government Departments are required to develop and publish an Innovation Plan by Spring 2016. The paper states that these plans should "set out how legislation and enforcement frameworks could adapt to emerging technologies and disruptive business models".

As part of the development process for its Innovation Plan, Defra opened an online dialogue and consultation to seek the views of stakeholders on what direction this plan should take. The primary aims of the plan were defined on the consultation website:

"Defra’s Innovation Plan will provide assurance that our regulatory framework is working effectively to support innovation and disruptive business models – and that regulators are using innovation to deliver their own work more effectively, and to reduce burdens on business."

Comments were invited from stakeholders on three main topics:

• Regulatory enablers of and barriers to innovation

• Defra’s service to innovative business

• How Defra uses new technologies to minimise burden on business

The IES has submitted a response to Defra's consultation, emphasising the role environmental regulation can play in stimulating high-value innovation and green growth, as well as protecting the environment. The sustainability sector is a major and growing contriobutor to the UK economy; in 2013 the contribution of businesses classed as members of the 'low carbon' sector alone has been estimated at £44.9 billion.

We are pleased to see recent investment by Defra in Earth Observation research and technology, as well as a commitment to open data. Support for such initiatives should be sustained to encourage innovation which delivers for both the economy and the environment.

Read the full IES submission (pdf)