On May 16 and 17, the Paris-Saclay ecosystem hosted the 7th edition of Paris-Saclay SPRING, a major innovation event in Europe, at the HEC Paris campus. This year’s focus? Clean Tech – a range of promising technologies aimed at fighting climate change. With an urgent need for sustainable solutions, research and innovation are seen as essential for our future.
Experts Discuss Clean Tech Solutions
During the event’s plenary session, top experts gathered to discuss the potential of Clean Tech. François Gemenne, Academic Director of the Master Sustainability and Social Innovation (SASI) at HEC Paris, and Fernando Diaz Lopez, Executive Director of the HEC Paris Climate & Earth Center, led the discussion.
Key Takeaways:
- Collective Effort Needed: Technology alone can’t solve climate change. Collaboration among policymakers, businesses, scientists, and universities is crucial.
- Investment is Crucial: Adequate resources and a stable regulatory environment are needed to fully realize Clean Tech’s potential.
- Behavioral Change: Clean Tech can influence not just emissions but also consumer habits and public policy.
Understanding the Stakes
- Technology Maturity: Only 25% of the necessary technologies to fight climate change are fully developed.
- CEO Influence: 70% of CEOs base their Clean Tech investments on their company’s capabilities, regulatory conditions, and market opportunities.
- Eco-Design Impact: 80% of a product’s environmental impact can be avoided through smart design choices.
- Innovation Gap: 40% of the solutions needed for climate resilience and adaptation still don’t exist.
Call to Action for Entrepreneurs and Investors
Fernando Diaz Lopez emphasized the exciting opportunities for climate tech startups. He urged entrepreneurs to focus on product lifecycle and climate adaptation technologies.
Promising European Initiatives:
- Green hydrogen
- Geothermal energy
- Carbon credits and management
- AI and deeptech for climate risk management
Bridging the Skills Gap
Recognizing the need for specialized skills, the HEC Climate & Earth Center launched an executive certificate for decision-makers to help restructure businesses with a climate focus.
A Message of Hope
The conference highlighted both the challenges and the immense potential of Clean Tech. Encouraging innovation, investing in research and training, and creating a supportive regulatory environment are crucial steps toward a sustainable future.
Final Thoughts:
François Gemenne concluded with a powerful message: “We are in a time of great effort, where everyone must collaborate, innovate, and scale up solutions as much as possible.”
By working together, we can harness the power of Clean Tech to create a sustainable future.
