Accessing Global Cleantech Opportunities in a Virtual World

This policy brief by GreenCape examines how virtual platforms and international networks can help green small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome trade barriers exacerbated by COVID-19. It highlights the methodologies of the International Cleantech Network (ICN) in using a virtual collaboration platform and a structured 'maturing process' to connect SMEs with global cleantech opportunities, illustrated through case studies in Helsinki and New York.

• COVID-19 significantly hindered the ability of green SMEs to find export partners and promote products, with 85.71% of survey respondents identifying the inability to participate in international events and trade missions as the factor with the greatest negative effect on business.
• Digitization served as a primary successful intervention for SMEs during the pandemic, with 57.14% of respondents citing digital marketing and communication channels as the most useful tool for promoting exports or sourcing imports.
• The International Cleantech Network (ICN) utilizes a three-part strategy for SME internationalization: a network of 18 clusters across 18 countries, a 'maturing process' to turn general leads into actionable needs statements, and a virtual collaboration platform called 'Solved'.
• The 'Solved' platform facilitates international innovation by allowing challenge owners to scout for solutions and SMEs to find business opportunities, while also enabling the sharing of knowledge and the identification of experts and organizations within the ecosystem.
• In the Helsinki Energy Challenge, the Solved platform enabled the co-creation of the 'Energy Cascade Scheme' to replace coal as a heat source, overcoming COVID-19 travel restrictions by hosting online pitching sessions and three virtual workshops.
• The Empire Building Challenge in New York State, supported by a $50 million NYSERDA investment, aims to decarbonize high-rise buildings; ICN supported this by translating property owners' needs into actionable information for SMEs to explore piloting opportunities.
• ICN is expanding the use of its virtual platform to include thematic communities (starting with water-focused SMEs), spaces for innovation collaboration between SMEs and research institutes, and a navigator for funding opportunities.

APA

GreenCape (2021). Accessing Global Cleantech Opportunities in a Virtual World. https://greencape.co.za/assets/Accessing-Global-Cleantech-Opportunities-in-a-Virtual-World.pdf

Chicago

GreenCape. Accessing Global Cleantech Opportunities in a Virtual World. 2021. https://greencape.co.za/assets/Accessing-Global-Cleantech-Opportunities-in-a-Virtual-World.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=GreenCape |title=Accessing Global Cleantech Opportunities in a Virtual World |date=18 October 2021 |url=https://greencape.co.za/assets/Accessing-Global-Cleantech-Opportunities-in-a-Virtual-World.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{greencape2021accessing, author = {{GreenCape}}, title = {{Accessing Global Cleantech Opportunities in a Virtual World}}, institution = {GreenCape}, year = {2021}, month = oct, url = {https://greencape.co.za/assets/Accessing-Global-Cleantech-Opportunities-in-a-Virtual-World.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }