A unique Circular Design programme is starting in Finland in autumn 2022!
From the international perspective, the programme is the first and only national training programme deep-diving into circular design principles and focusing on generating concrete product/service concepts to secure companies’ competitive advantage in the biggest market transition of our time. In addition, this programme will prepare companies for the forthcoming Ecodesign Directive requiring product durability, reliability, reusability, upgradability, repairability, ease of maintenance/refurbishment/recycling in addition to being energy and resource efficient, just to mention but a few.
Whom is it for?
The pilot online programme is free of charge, and Finnish companies from various sectors and of diverse sizes are invited to apply now! The only prerequisite is that the company genuinely wants to develop its business & operating model and product/service design according to the carbon neutral circular economy principles.
The 1-year programme consists of two tracks: the strategic track is designed for the executives/board members/owners and investors; the R&D track is designed for people in charge of or taking part in product and service development, marketing, brand and customer experience. For detailed description of the tracks, see here (in Finnish).
The hybrid kick-off event will take place in Tiedekulma, Helsinki 4th Oct 1pm-3pm. If you want to attend, please fill in the sign-up form. The event is open for all and worth attending even if you are still considering applying for the programme.
Organisers
Being part of the National Strategic Circular Economy programme of Finland, it is led by the Ministry of Environment and coordinated by Ethica Ltd and Design Forum Finland. Other partners include VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland); Finnish Environment Institute; Sitra Innovation Fund, Frankly Partners, Miltton and Alice Labs.
How to apply?
Fill in the programme application form here. The application period is open until 9th October, but applications will be reviewed throughout the autumn. All applicants will be informed by 14th Oct at the latest. As mentioned above, the first kick-off event will be organised 4th Oct the rest of the programme starting in January 2023.
Application criteria & programme details
• Please note that at least two participants are expected to take part in the training: one person on the executive track and one on the R&D track. However, we warmly invite a larger number of people from each company to participate, as the programme provides an excellent opportunity to push the circular agenda forward both at strategic and operational level.
• Every company will be developing their own product and/or service concept or value chain solution during the programme. Participating company is expected to allocate time for this development work in between the training modules.
• 40-50 companies will be selected to the programme. Companies/sectors committed to the national Circular Economy Green Deal process will be prioritised.
• Duration: approximately 1 year (kick-off event will be held in Oct 2022, all the learning modules will be organised between Jan-Dec 2023.
• Format: online training (kick-off and final events will be hybrid)
Want to learn more about circular design approach? Read here.
If you have any questions or want to have a chat about taking part in the programme, please don’t hesitate to contact Anne or Saija.
Anne Raudaskoski, Ethica
tel. +358 50 341 0881
Anne.raudaskoski@ethica.fi
Saija Malila, Design Forum Finland
Tel. +358 044 727 2280
saija.malila@designforum.fi
