Report sees ‘generational opportunities’ in cleantech industry

The emerging cleantech industry has ‘global’ and ‘generational opportunities’ in the 21st century, a report says. Alex Blackburne finds out more about it.

Grant Thornton, the professional services network, has  released a report which, for the ever-growing cleantech industry, makes for promising reading.

The report, entitled ‘Cleantech on the rise: Generational opportunities for 21st-century businesses‘, writes how businesses and individuals within the cleantech industry “may well be in the right place at the right time”.

It goes on to describe the ‘global’ opportunities ahead, which “belong to leaders of companies who can bring the right vision, talent and intellectual capital together with the right understanding of global cleantech markets, regulatory environments and international operating efficiencies“.

Cleantech, or clean technology to give the sector its full title, is producing electricity and fuels with minimal environmental impact. This includes, but is not limited to, renewable energy, green transport and information technology.

The Grant Thornton report explores three general themes. Firstly, how worldwide governments react to the cleantech industry, with regards to meeting long-term sustainability needs; Secondly, the “vast” void between theoretical statements and practical application from governments; and then thirdly, the fact that corporate leaders can “develop and commercialise solutions with keen awareness of governmental policy” within their own companies, and without support from governments.

The report has case studies that focus on policies from Israel, India, China and the UK, and while those countries are on the opposite end of the spectrum in many areas, the concluding consensus is that cleantech, from a global perspective, is an emerging industry.

In terms of the future of our planet, that can only be a positive thing.

To read the full report, click here.

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