Supporting regional cleantech sectors in North America. Issue 1 (1st January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hess, David J.; Sudibjo, Magdalena N.
• Is Part Of: Sustainability. Volume 14:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2018-01-01
• Subjects: Cleantech -- economic development -- clusters -- regional innovation -- policy; Sustainability -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Natural resources -- Management -- Periodicals; Ecology; Environmental sciences; Natural resources -- Management; Sustainability; Periodicals; Periodicals; 338.927
• DOI: 10.1080/15487733.2018.1536308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1548-7733

Abstract

Abstract: The development of a vibrant clean technology (or 'cleantech') sector has numerous advantages for a regional economy, among them economic development and job creation. But how do governments go about developing this sector? General demand policies and environmental regulations are clearly important, but this review of regional cleantech policies focuses on the less well-recognized area of governmental assistance for cleantech-business development. The research identifies four main policy instruments: clean-energy and high-technology funds; commercialization and incubation support; research, development, and testing facilities; and assistance to business networking organizations such as business associations. Two cases of cleantech-sector development, one in California and one in New York State, are discussed in more detail. They show how state- and local-demand policies provide important background assistance but also highlight the importance of developing independent intermediary organizations that represent and network the cleantech-business community. Moreover, this focus on the business-networking side of clean-energy policies can also help to broaden political support, especially in conservative regions where environmental frames are controversial.