Evaluation of the connection of innovation activities within selected OECD countries in the area of Construction Minerals

ABSTRACT

Mineral resources form the basis of production in the metallurgical, electrical, chemical, construction, ceramic and glass industries, as well as in other industries. However, they are still non-renewable and depletable raw material resources, which also have restrictive uses due to their uneven geological and geographical distribution. Manufacturing and construction in Europe are largely dependent on the extraction of non-energy raw materials in terms of basic raw materials. This fact is further emphasized by the related sectors, which depend on a stable supply of raw materials. But building tomorrow's economy also means we need to take care of our environment today. Therefore, raw materials need to be mined in such a way that we protect the natural environment in order to ensure sustainability. In particular, the current time, but also the historically emerging geopolitical strife in the world or the COVID-19 pandemic prove, that raw materials are the driving force of many countries. Therefore, at the end of these new events, but also in view of the fourth industrial revolution, it is necessary, at the same time desirable, to look for new alternatives, possibilities and sources of raw materials in non-traditional areas. Such are waste, until now unused remnants of old mining activities, or the search for completely new materials. Innovation is a fundamental concept that is increasingly linked to the field of raw materials, as well as with many countries that are characterized by a high level of innovation activity. Therefore, in the article we focused on an extremely current topic, the analysis of the innovation potential of OECD countries in connection with the level of Construction minerals consumption.