Author(s): Pepe Puchol-Salort; Braulio Eduardo Morera; Ana Mijic And Michael Templeton
Linked Author(s): Pepe Puchol-Salort
Keywords: Water innovation Enabling environment Systems framework Optimisation tool
Abstract: Climate change and unsustainable practices are drastically altering water availability, increasing risks, and degrading quality, resulting in challenges characterised by excess water, scarcity, and contamination. The water sector also faces significant challenges in financing and scaling emerging technologies from water startups (or ‘aquapreneurs’), alongside barriers such as insufficient collaboration, fragmented policies, and limited funding for innovation. This study explores the dynamics of water innovation ecosystems by analysing barriers and enablers across different stakeholder groups. Case studies in the cities of San Francisco, Valencia, Singapore, and Accra provided critical insights into governance and aquapreneurship enablers, revealing the need to close systemic gaps. Using a systemic approach and fieldwork data, this research develops the Water-BOOST (Bridging Opportunities and Optimising Solutions Tool) framework to foster collaboration and innovation. The findings suggest that bridging governance and aquapreneurship enablers is key to a thriving water innovation ecosystem, providing actionable guidance for decision-makers and stakeholders globally.
Year: 2025