The forthcoming institutionalization of a CleanTech National Advisory Board will promote cohesive clean technology policies throughout Palestine. Other synergic components will also contribute to cleantech industry development, including tailored mentorship, dedicated training materials, and a network of robust fablabs.
Ecosystems play a vital role in supporting a strong economy and an inclusive society. The cleantech ecosystem is no exception: through its innovative solutions, cleantech industries can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, optimize the use of natural resources, create a significant number of jobs in areas such as renewable energy production, energy efficiency, and waste management, and ultimately increase competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
The strategic nature of these economic drivers and the range of benefits they can bring to the Palestinian communities has led UNIDO to work with all its stakeholders to enforce and institutionalize a national cleantech ecosystem. To ensure continuity and a clear operational framework, the creation of a CleanTech National Advisory Board (CTNAB) – operating in both West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem has been taken up by the Ministry of National Economy in cooperation with key players from the private sector and academic institutions. Aimed at further expanding this sector, the CTNAB will establish a Board of Management that will be responsible for identifying and executing strategies for CleanTech business model development, promotion, and implementation. In addition, the CTNAB will coordinate and implement CleanTech initiatives at the national level.
The provision of technical support is essential to generate competitive edge. In addition to contributing to the definition of a clear institutional operating framework, MOUSTADAMA has worked to provide theoretical and operational tools to guide companies in their research and development activities. National and international experts have been hired to assess the optimal approach for setting up a CleanTech Hardware Fab Lab. Their study has been completed and will be shared with the cleantech organizations so that startups in West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza can prototype with the right equipment and methodology.
Post acceleration services have also been put in place to assure that startups growth is followed in a timely and tailored manner. Business development services, commercialization services, advanced technical mentorship have created by training a specialized network of local and international coaches and mentors. Access to finance is also essential for the growth and development of the cleantech ecosystem. To enable companies to bring their solutions to market, invest in research and development, and mitigate risks associated with the development of clean technologies, MOSTADAMA experts are working to strengthen the linkages with development banks, commercial banks, and international investors, including venture capital firms and private equity funds. The Palestinian economic context remains challenging, but thanks to the supportive environment created by the cleantech ecosystem, cleantech startups will have more opportunities to overcome barriers and develop new solutions more efficiently.
