Leveraging Physical Assets for Value Creation Through Cleanweb Firms - The Finnish Cleantech Space in Transition

Abstract

Cleantech has made a respectable comeback onto the global agenda of firms, investors and economic developers alike. In the midst of the resurgence, Finnish CleanTech has been recognized globally. Indeed, recent rankings placed Finland in the top-3 of global leaders in cleantech, along with Israel and the US. This paper takes a closer look at the Finnish commercial cleantech space and scrutinizes it in light of select indicators such as degree of specialization into cleantech, type of industrial activity, generation of value added, financial performance as well as type and volume of intellectual property generated. Three insights stand out: First, the Finnish cleantech space is dominated by manufacturing-driven businesses. Second, consumer-oriented technical innovations seem to be rare. And third, the engine of industrial renewal – the small and medium-sized firms – appears to struggle with financial sustainability. The ability to shift gears from manufacturing- to service-driven businesses may be compromised if the low financial viability of small and medium sized companies turns out to be more than a statistical anomaly. These firms have the capacity to transition conventional industry boundaries to develop novel business models and open new markets. Poor financial performance would impact long-term development of the cleantech space in Finland. Given the central role of information technology in cleantech 3.0 businesses, there is an opportunity to leverage the innovative capacity of the Finnish ICT industry to: (a) accelerate the adoption of green solutions, (b) drive economic growth, and (c) render cleantech companies not only profitable, but also attractive investments.