There is strong global demand for solutions that don’t add to global warming or the ongoing degradation of our ecosystems. A sector that caters to this demand has emerged, providing systems, solutions and technologies that improve welfare without burdening ecosystems. The most commonly used term for this sector is “cleantech.”

Sweden and the Stockholm region have been, and remain, on the cutting edge of this sector when it comes to research and development of sustainable solutions. This is true for all types of renewable energy sources, new materials and energy efficiency. There is also world-leading competence in both the private and public sector regarding what sustainable development means for urban development, transportation and industry. At the same time, we know that Sweden as a small country, has not been as successful in commercializing the products of this research and competence.

On the whole, this provides Sweden and Stockholm with a possibility to create a new export industry. The global trend is of a magnitude and robustness that cleantech has the potential to become a new pillar in Swedish industry, providing growth, employment opportunities and sustainable development, both in Sweden and abroad.

However, achieving this potential requires an investment climate, a culture and competence to create an environment that nurtures such commercial development. The small- and medium sized enterprises which are technology leaders are led by entrepreneurs, often research based and focused on commercializing an innovation. It is these companies that lead technological development and, as a result, are suppliers to, or in some cases are acquired by, larger companies where development goes more slowly. Therefore supporting growth in these smaller companies helps to build a foundation for this emerging export industry.