Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki

Helsinki has identified the circular economy as a key means of achieving its carbon neutrality goal by 2030. The successful implementation a circular economy is supported by the city’s Action Plan for the Circular and Sharing Economy. According also to Helsinki’s Environmental Protection Targets, the city and businesses are expected to transition to a carbon-neutral circular economy by 2040, in which natural resources are used sustainably and products and materials are kept in circulation for as long as possible.

Carried out by Forum Virium Helsinki and Business Helsinki, the Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project involves the design and launch of a circular economy-focused cluster for businesses in the Arabia 135 block. The aim of the Circular Hub is to specifically support the business activities, production processes, product innovations, as well as regional and international RDI collaboration of small and medium-sized circular economy companies.

In addition to a physical and virtual environment, the project will create an active ecosystem and a supportive program of cooperation, expert services, models to support ideation and innovation, as well as open up opportunities for RDI collaboration. The project will also organize events to highlight funding possibilities related to circular economy innovation activities.

The target group of the project consists of circular economy SMEs and startups in the Uusimaa region. The target group also includes the regional RDI ecosystem related to the circular economy, such as local universities and development companies. In addition, businesses or other organisations already based near the hub in the Arabia area are part of the target group.

The operational model of the hub will be developed in cooperation with the Arabia 135 block, managed by Varma. During the project, the aim is to establish the hub’s activities and create a sustainable business model for it.

Objectives of the project

1. Increase collaboration, innovation, and business activities for circular economy companies

We support collaboration and innovation activities among circular economy SMEs by, for example, identifying usable side streams, shared resources, business cooperation potential, and innovation partnerships.

2. Create an operational and operator model for the Circular Hub

We co-develop the operational and operator model of the Circular Hub to serve SMEs in the circular economy sector. The model will include a physical space concept, digital and physical services for businesses, and the activities of the hub. The continuity of the hub will be ensured by engaging the right actors.

3. Increase international and RDI network activities for circular economy actors

We identify key RDI players and international hubs in the circular economy field. We also help companies network internationally.

*