According to a new global index, Denmark offers the best conditions for green technology innovation and entrepreneurship, with a strong record of support for technology startups that have achieved widespread market adoption, particularly in the area of wind energy.

In an evaluation of 38 countries, the so-called Global Cleantech Innovation Index, compiled by the Cleanteach Group and WWF, ranked which countries have created conditions for future clean technology growth and which have dipped “below the curve.”

According to their findings, other countries in the top four are Israel, Sweden, and Finland — all small economies that, researchers note, need innovation strategies and collaboration to compensate for what they lack in market size and financing.

The U.S. ranks fifth overall, though it leads in several categories, including public cleantech research and development, number of startups and investors, and amount of venture capital.

While China ranks 13th, the researchers noted that China is a leader in cleantech manufacturing, performs well in early-stage growth, and has potential for even greater early-stage innovation.