This paper explores innovative approaches to stimulating the uptake of existing climate technologies for mitigation and adaptation. Such innovations can be identified in the following areas: how technology options are selected by countries (i.e. as part of low-emission and climate-resilient pathways); how stakeholder views and practitioner knowledge, as well as their preferences, are solicited in climate technology planning; what financial innovations exist for enhancing funding of technology projects and programmes; and what are viable ways of enhancing private sector engagement and incubators.

The role of stakeholders in climate technology planning and implementation is crucial. The rationale for pursuing innovations in stakeholder engagement and capacity-building is fostering their sense of co-ownership. Such stakeholder engagement can aid in the technology planning and implementation process by making a technology option not just technically and economically feasible, but also socially acceptable. In terms of the successful uptake of technology solutions, the role of technology champions is highlighted as crucial.

The paper presents examples of innovation approaches to identifying where and how market systems for enabling technology uptake can be improved, including ways to attract funding for prioritized climate technology programmes and policies. Green or climate bonds are examples of innovative instruments that help countries (re)fund technology investments. These have recently been explored for adaptation. Other ways to attract funding for climate technology deployment are the initiatives of the GCF and multilateral development banks to provide readiness and preparatory support for technology deployment and diffusion.