CircularBIO-RDI invest

In recent years, cooperation between regional research institutions and universities in wood processing and the use of side streams from forest biomass processing has strengthened. This has improved the exchange of knowledge, the development of shared infrastructure, and the creation of new services that support businesses. Collaborative projects and testing services with companies have expanded, and joint marketing efforts and seminar events have made local actors more visible. Small and medium-sized enterprises have benefited from improved marketing. In addition, the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Karelia University of Applied Sciences, and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) maintain the woodjoensuu.fi website, which serves as a shared communication channel for research, events, and services.

The shift toward a circular economy brings new challenges for companies that go beyond product performance and cost efficiency. Discussions with businesses have highlighted specific needs that require developing circular economy business models and the expertise and R&D services to support them. Addressing these needs requires investments in both equipment for biorefining and product testing, as well as in data-based product information services. Companies, especially, benefit from the expertise of universities and research institutions in evaluating and communicating the sustainability of production processes and products. Expanding training services in these areas will also strengthen the long-term competitiveness of local industries.

The project aims to develop the equipment resources of regional RDI actors, increase the level of shared use, and build cooperation that supports the circular economy. The focus is on circular economy solutions and value chains within the bioeconomy and industrial wood construction. The development project is divided into four work packages (WPs): (1) Equipment Investments, (2) Circular Economy and Sustainability, (3) Value Creation and Value Chains, and (4) Communication and Internationalization. The investment project enables the implementation and commissioning of new equipment acquisitions in WP1. In WPs 2 and 3, the focus is on carrying out concrete demonstrations using the invested equipment in collaboration with industry. WP4 is dedicated to increasing visibility both nationally and internationally. The majority of the tasks in WPs 1–4 are carried out as part of the development component of the project pair. As a result of the project, several regional companies will initiate product development collaborations with the University of Eastern Finland, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). This will support mutual competitive advantages and knowledge exchange, creating a stronger foundation for sustainable industrial development.