KIITO - Renewing business with circular economy know-how

Background



The circular economy has risen to a significant role in the social debate, the new business opportunities created by the circular economy are just beginning to emerge. With circular economy business models, it is possible to better meet the requirements of sustainable development, resource efficiency and customer expectations, strengthening companies' competitiveness. Digitization also plays a significant role in promoting the circular economy.



The transition to a circular economy requires investing in skills development in different industries: new jobs are created, some jobs disappear, and most jobs change in one way or another. The change in working life is predicted to require that 40% of employees renew their core skills in the next six years. Such a significant change requires wide-ranging competence development, especially in SMEs, e.g. With the help of TKI cooperation and continuing education



Objectives



The project promotes the creation of new circular economy business models and the growth of the digital skills required for them in Kanta- and Päijät-Häme SMEs and their supply chains. It supports the sustainable growth and green transition goals of the provinces by developing the region's circular economy know-how. It strengthens the cooperation between universities and SMEs, increases companies' competence in the field of circular economy and digitalization.



The project has the following goals:



a. Promotes the development and implementation of circular economy business models



b. Secure a skilled workforce to implement circular economy business models



c. Promotes the development of digital expertise and solutions in sustainable business.



Actions



The project will take the first systematic steps to develop new circular business models in SME supply chains by using opportunities provided by digitalization. Students of HAMK and LAB Universities of Applied Sciences will participate in the project’s actions, which improves the companies' ability to renew themselves and supports the availability of skilled labour force.



The project’s actions are divided into six work packages:



WP1. Identifying opportunities of CE and future competence needs in SMEs.



WP2. Introduction of SMEs to business opportunities of CE through webinars and students mapping the business potential of CE in participating SMEs.



WP3. Developing competences for adopting circular business models in SME supply chains.



WP4. Increasing competences for the utilization of data and new digital technologies to promote the CE in SMEs.



WP5. Development of a continuing education module of CE to correspond to the competence needs of SMEs.



WP6. Communication and project management for the proficient realisation of the project and the dissemination of results.



Results



Central results of the project’s work packages will include:



WP1. A short-term vision of the development and investment needs associated with CE in Kanta-Häme and Päijät-Häme, and more effective utilisation of business services provided by Hämeen Yrityspalvelut.



WP2. Improved understanding of the business opportunities of CE in the regions’ SMEs and an evaluation tool for the assessment of business potential of CE.



WP3. Case examples of applications of CE business models by SMEs and their supply chains as study material.



WP4. Case examples of the utilisation of digital technologies in the development of CE by SMEs and their supply chains as study material.



WP5. A continuing education module of CE, including a new course of circular business, in both Universities of Applied Sciences.



WP6. Publications of the project results for both professional and scientific audience.
Project period
-
Project state
On-going
Project area
National
Project funding
ESR 2021-2027
LAB role
Partner
Unit
Business and Hospitality Management
Project focus area
Circular Economy
Sustainable Development Goals
Project managers