The focus of this call is on rapid implementation of solutions, initiatives and collaborations that will increase the speed of circular change towards 2030. The call is a part of the Circular Business Models program. The transition to green and circular Nordic region as well as transformation at a societal level require profitable circular business models, streamlining of operations, transition of value chains and ecosystems as well as cooperation across Nordic borders.
Rapidly transition is the key
We are particularly interested in initiatives that can rapidly transition Nordic ecosystems, industries and/or value chains to circularity, support a major part of Nordic companies in their circular transition, circular design of products and/or circularity of operations and production processes. Projects that also strengthen cross-border trade, international collaboration and export is highly desired.
Initiatives and solutions focusing on recycling, resource recovery nor other types of waste treatment are not what we looking for. According to the European Court of Auditors (2023) these are proven to be less impactful stages of the product life cycle and circular business models. However projects can apply if they can justify why they are a “fast line” for the Nordic region and Nordic industries to transition to circularity.
With this call, we are looking for “fast tracks” to circularity. The most part of the valuable capacities and resources in our Nordic economies are still underutilized. If the circular economy is implemented at scale, it is a $140 billion business opportunity to be captured by 2030 in the Nordics.
– Hanna Törmänen, Senior Innovation Adviser
Outcomes we are looking for
Projects seeking funding should boost the Nordic circular economy by achieving outcomes such as:
- Accelerating the transition to a circular economy across the region
- Strengthening Nordic circular ecosystems and value chains
- Driving value creation and competitiveness for Nordic businesses
- Delivering positive real-world impacts for specific use cases and contexts
- Synergizing with existing initiatives to avoid duplication of efforts
- Achieving high-impact, clear, and scalable results
Who is this for?
Applications must come from a consortium headed by a Nordic Project Leader, comprising partners from at least three different Nordic countries and as many as possible are desirable. we think it is natural that the consortium consists of companies, public sector bodies cluster organizations, business networks and innovation institutions.
Direct industry involvement and benefits for Nordic companies will be an evaluation criteria. Ambitious cross-border consortia with complementary strengths are encouraged to apply. Non-Nordic partners can participate but cannot receive funding.
With this Circular Fast Track, Nordic Innovation aims to catalyze rapid, high-impact progress towards its vision of the Nordics as a global circular economic powerhouse by 2030.
We encourage both smaller and larger scale projects to apply, and look forward to your proposals.
