The pandemic, globalisation, shifting geopolitical relations, the war in Ukraine, the climate and biodiversity crises... these are all challenges which some perceive as threats, while others see opportunities. Clean technology, or cleantech for short, appears to be pulling through according to this fourth Cleantech Flanders report.
All signs in cleantech point to growth and increasing maturity. However, cleantech shouldn't really be considered a 'sector'. After all, the goal is for all aspects of the economic production system and also product and service outputs to comply with sustainability and circularity principles. Clean technology should therefore be considered the norm or standard industry-wide - preferably as soon as possible.
But we're not there yet and until we, as a society, have reached that point, this report follows a particular new taxonomy (see below). It presents a range of applications and testimonials from entrepreneurs illustrating success stories and developments.
So cleantech is doing well, thanks in part to both local and international policy options. These policies provide a sturdy framework and act as a driving force in the pursuit of strategic autonomy from critical resources and fossil fuels, but equally solutions, products and services aimed at climate objectives and the transition to a sustainable planet. In this way, governments are providing clean technologies with future prospects.
Companies do not actively pursue cleantech in response to external factors, however. Their motivation originates primarily from sound financial and economic prospects across cleantech activities.
This report focuses on cleantech in Flanders. The Flemish government recently launched the vision memorandum 'Towards enhanced competitiveness in European industry'[1];an appeal for a strong industrial and innovation policy focused on the energy transition, adapted financing mechanisms and international cooperation. Although cleantech is not specifically mentioned, innovative and sustainable technologies will undoubtedly play a vital role in the clout Flemish and European industry has in the future.
Bruno Reyntjens
Commercial Director VITO
