An overwhelming majority (74 percent) of respondents, which included investors, entrepreneurs, and other thought leaders, believe that both interest and investment in clean tech will increase over the next five years. Yet, an even higher number (79 percent) see significant challenges to their companies or investments achieving desired near- to mid-term growth and profitability.
The top challenges cited by U.S. clean energy and technology company leaders include access to capital (79 percent) and weak economic conditions (63 percent), followed by the need for stronger public policy and incentives (39 percent) supporting the United States' position as a global clean tech leader.
"Our survey confirms there is an overwhelming belief by clean tech investors and entrepreneurs that private sector investment in clean tech will continue to rise. I believe that this studied enthusiasm is based on the fact that we are still just at the beginning of a multi-decade energy transformation," said Tom Amis, co-chair of Cooley's Clean Energy & Technologies practice and based in the firm's Washington, D.C. office. "Yet, the near term certainly presents some challenges for both investors and entrepreneurs."
