Cleantech Growth through Collaboration

Tangible cleantech outcomes can only be effectively achieved through collaboration between the four core groups of cleantech participants and by adopting a four point collaboration strategy.

The four core participant groups of the cleantech industry are business, governments, researchers and the finance community. Extraordinary outcomes will be achieved by combining the knowledge, capacity and resources of each of these groups.

The combination of innovative research, business needs, commercialisation skills, financial drivers and all three tiers of Government can deliver solutions that not only meet environmental needs but also deliver economic and social dividends. If any one of the core groups is missed from any stage of the process then the result will be, at best, sub-optimal.

Collaboration between the core groups must occur throughout the lifecycle of the project. The adoption of a four point collaboration strategy facilitates behaviours which lead to cleantech innovation and growth.

• Strategy 1 - Networks. Cleantech networks are starting to emerge. They provide valuable forums for making new connections and starting new discussions. One example is the Adelaide Cleantech Network, which organises educational events to facilitate cleantech growth in addition to other opportunities for members of the core groups to meet and exchange information and opinions.
• Strategy 2 – Drive Demand. Through establishing buying groups of companies, government departments, local councils or businesses, it is possible to jump start emerging technologies.
• Step 3 – Drive Innovation. The establishment of cleantech manufacturing and development parks creates and enables the positive interdependencies between researchers, companies and financiers. This enhances product development both in terms of quality and time to market.
• Step 4 – Demonstrate Success. Highly publicised demonstration parks or projects are required to provide access to multiple technologies in-situ. The successful technologies are likely to be those that were conceived at network events and borne from the impetus of buying groups and cleantech parks.

Amidst the noise of emissions intensive industries crying foul, the voice of opportunity is starting to be heard. Grasping this opportunity requires the implementation of a comprehensive collaboration strategy that brings together the four core groups of cleantech participants. Governments and other facilitators can lead this strategy, but it requires commitment from all four groups for it to succeed. Once implemented, the multiple dividend streams of cleantech will be fully unleashed.

This is an edited extract of an article that was originally published on Environmental Management News. For a full version of the article please email info@auscleantech.com.au