Circular economy innovations, digitalisation and competence

This is how we implement the Circular Economy Programme

Digitalisation is essential for the circular economy to become a reality. The new business practices and operating methods 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 also support and reinforce the development and growth accelerators of these ecosystems 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.

2. We will launch and promote circular economy ecosystems.

  • See above the measures ‘We invite operators to make Circular Economy Green Deal commitments’ and ‘We will promote digital solutions that support the circular economy’.

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

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

  • The Circular Economy Competence Badges offer a national and harmonised methodology for identifying and verifying expert-level circular economy competence in different sectors. They help both experts who are already in working life and students in making their skills visible and comparable. They can be used in various kinds of organisations, educational institutions and services offered by actors in the education sector. The two-step system is composed of digital competence badges that are earned through applications, with the milestone badges awarded when the required competence badges have been earned. Responsible organisation: TIEKE Information Society Development Centre. 
  • The ministries 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 on where experts for a circular economy can be found 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 organisations: 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.