Circular economy innovations, digitalisation and competence

This is how we implement the Circular Economy Programme

Digitalisation is essential for making the circular economy a reality. The new business activities and practices of the circular economy are built in cooperation between different sectors and by combining new kinds of technology and operator networks. Bringing these networks together and their operations require an interoperable data architecture that enables open data to be shared reliably.

The interoperability of digital solutions for the circular economy must be coordinated at the national level. In addition, we must make sure that the data sharing infrastructure develops alongside the circular economy market.

Operating models are reshaped in ecosystems where operators in the value chain or different sectors can find each other and develop new solutions. It is important to support and reinforce the development and growth accelerators of these ecosystems, including in international contexts. The operating model of the Finnish Industrial Symbiosis System (FISS) should be expanded.

Working life of the future will need competence and skills in sustainable development and digitalisation and continuous learning. Circular economy solutions are often created by bringing together different types of competence and organisations. This is why collaboration between research institutes, companies and other RDI actors related to the circular economy must be strengthened. The level of competence and research concerning a carbon-neutral circular economy must be considerably enhanced.

What we do and where we are now:

1. We will promote digital solutions that support the circular economy.

  • The circular economy requires reliable, traceable and monitorable information. Digitalisation makes this possible. We have taken the first steps to specify what kind of information, architecture and practices will be needed. We will also analyse the digital opportunities related to incubators. Responsible organisations: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and Ministry of the Environment.

2. We will launch and promote circular economy ecosystems.

3. We will prepare a design programme for the circular economy. 

4. We will include circular economy competence in our education system and working life skills.

  • We will develop a set of open Batches for Circular Economy for Employers. Through the Open Batches, the organisations can build a picture of the current situation and development needs related to their circular economy expertise. Read more in the interim report on the Open Batches on the project website of the Finnish Information Society Development Centre TIEKE and in the description of the Open Batches. Responsible organisation: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. 
     
  • We will cooperate with the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and partners that promote foresight work on competence needs, lifelong guidance and continuous learning to make sure that the circular economy perspective will be incorporated into the existing operating models. A survey was conducted on the different ways to promote competence building. The Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, together with Circular Economy Finland, organised a webinar Where can we find experts for a circular economy in November 2022. Based on this workshop, the work will continue by improving the exchange of information between the key players in terms of expertise on the circular economy. Responsible organisation: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Education and Culture.
     
  • Circular Economy Finland has set up an open theme group for all those working on circular economy competence and education that aims to support the efforts to strengthen circular economy competence in Finland, networking of those working on education, and different actors in discovering their own circular economy paths. At present the theme group is preparing a competence roadmap and recommendations for the central government. Responsible organisation: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.