Circular Economy in Arctic Industries

As the EU is stepping up its ambitions towards becoming climate neutral, it is important to learn from the cases that are the forerunners of the green transition. As a part of the #EURegionsWeek, Northern sparsely populated areas (NSPA network) together with Scotland Highlands and Islands organise a session that will be showcasing initiatives in or close to the Arctic already on the move towards a climate-neutral economy.

As the EU is stepping up its ambitions towards becoming climate neutral, it is important to learn from the cases that are the forerunners of the green transition. As a part of the #EURegionsWeek, Northern sparsely populated areas (NSPA network) together with Scotland Highlands and Islands organise a session that will be showcasing initiatives in or close to the Arctic already on the move towards a climate-neutral economy. Session will also explore initiatives taken by regional actors across the territory, including regional development agencies, to help Arctic and rural businesses adjust to a circular economy. To achieve the ambition of a Green Europe, learning from those already succeeding within green, circular industries is crucial. There are many regions in and near the Arctic that have already been focusing on the circular economy for several years. Four different projects and approaches to circular economy and industry will be presented. The examples will address how future EU policy could contribute to using the potential of the circular economy in industries. The session will close with a panel debate with political representation on what can be learned from those already succeeding.
Join our session and learn from the best #ArcticCircular practices!
AGENDA
- Introductory words from the moderator
Linda Stewart, Director, Director of European & International Devt, University of the Highlands & Islands, United Kingdom
- Water industry sector towards more efficient and sustainable water ecosystem
Pirkko Taskinen, Director, AIF Water Ecosystem Alliance, University of Oulu, Finland
- Lithium ion battery production - towards the world's greenest battery to enable the future of energy
Emma Wiesner, Public Affairs Manager, Northvolt AB, Sweden
- Outer Hebrides Local Energy Hub in Scotland Highlands and Islands
David MacLeod, Head of Municipal Services, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, United Kingdom
- Positioning of the regions in innovation and circular economy industry - how to succeed?
Marianne Steinmo, Center manager, Centre for Industrial Business Development, Nord University, Norway
- Panel discussion
Michael Mann, EU Special Envoy for Arctic Matters, European External Action Service (EEAS), Belgium
Mirja Vehkaperä, Member of the CoR’s Finnish delegation
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The NSPA network represents close collaboration between the four northernmost counties of Sweden, the seven northernmost and eastern regions of Finland and North Norway. These 13 regions from three countries share common circumstances and objectives and are working together to raise awareness of the NSPA in the EU institutions, to influence EU policy and to provide a platform for best practise.