Climate-First Innovation Ecosystems: Entrepreneurship and Sustainability in the Transition to a Regenerative Economy

The urgency to address climate change has catalyzed a profound shift in global innovation ecosystems, particularly those focused on climate-first initiatives. In these ecosystems, entrepreneurship has increasingly become a driving force for sustainable development, emphasizing green technologies, circular economies, and the promotion of regenerative business practices. These ecosystems are not only reshaping industries but are also facilitating a critical transition toward a regenerative economy that prioritizes environmental stewardship while ensuring long-term economic viability. This paper explores the multifaceted evolution of climate-first innovation ecosystems, investigating the key factors that enable their growth, sustainability, and effectiveness in combating the climate crisis. By examining a broad range of case studies from across the globe—ranging from Europe’s advanced green tech hubs and the emergence of cleantech in Silicon Valley to the dynamic green startup scene in Africa—this study provides a comprehensive, multi-regional analysis of the drivers and barriers within these ecosystems.