Accessing Global Cleantech Opportunities in a Virtual World

The document argues that the disruption of world trade by COVID-19 necessitates a shift toward digital internationalisation support for green SMEs. It highlights the International Cleantech Network's (ICN) approach, which combines a reciprocal network of 18 clusters, a structured process for maturing business leads into actionable needs statements, and the 'Solved' virtual collaboration platform. Case studies from Helsinki and New York demonstrate how these tools facilitate co-creation and matchmaking when physical travel is restricted. The brief recommends investing in reciprocal partnerships, leveraging virtual tools to lower transaction costs, and using digital platforms to support long-term innovation and R&D collaboration.

• COVID-19 significantly hindered the ability of green SMEs to find export partners and promote products, with 85.71% of surveyed SMEs identifying the inability to participate in international events and trade missions as the factor with the greatest negative effect.
• 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 internationalisation: a network of 18 clusters across 18 countries, a maturing process to turn general leads into actionable needs statements, and the 'Solved' virtual collaboration platform.
• The 'Solved' platform facilitates cleantech innovation by allowing challenge owners to scout for solutions, enabling SMEs to find business opportunities, and providing a space for knowledge sharing and expert identification.
• In the Helsinki Energy Challenge, the Solved platform enabled the development of the 'Energy Cascade Scheme' by hosting three virtual workshops and pitching sessions for Nordic companies after COVID-19 prevented physical co-creation workshops.
• The Empire Building Challenge in New York State, supported by a $50 million NYSERDA investment, uses ICN's maturing methodology to connect global cleantech SMEs with property owners aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035.
• ICN is expanding the use of its virtual platform to include thematic communities (such as for water-focused SMEs), spaces for university research to lower R&D barriers, 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} }