In the YKKE project, a collaborative operating model is being created for the Pirkanmaa region to identify companies’ circular-economy-related development ideas and to promote the emergence of new circular economy innovations. Companies are also supported in further developing these ideas, regional expertise is strengthened, and firms’ opportunities to utilise research and development infrastructure are improved. The aim is for educational institutions, research organisations, and regional development agencies to become part of this circular economy collaboration model as a result of the project.
Background
The circular economy promotes a green and sustainable transition by enabling efficient material cycles and minimizing waste generation. However, only a small share of its potential has been utilized so far, because innovation ecosystems do not function with sufficient efficiency. Knowledge, expertise, and infrastructure are scattered across different organizations and therefore do not effectively reach local companies and their potential material flows.
Goal
The aim of the project is to develop a regional innovation ecosystem to identify, support, and accelerate circular economy business potential. Another goal is to establish a permanent collaboration model between TAMK and Circular Pirkanmaa to harness circular economy business potential in the Pirkanmaa region.
Impact
A regional innovation ecosystem and collaboration model for strengthening circular-economy-related business potentials enables the identification of new, commercially promising circular economy innovations and the enhancement of their development potential by utilising TAMK’s research expertise during the project. This creates the conditions for companies to develop new commercial innovations (products/services).
Funding source
Alueellisen kehittämisen määräraha (AKKE)
Main funder
Pirkanmaan liitto
Partners
Contact persons
riitta.vihuri [at] tuni.fi