Funding applications for circular economy projects now accepted — aims to create new business and support economic recovery after epidemic
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment funds cooperation between the public and private sectors for innovations in circular economy. A total of million euros has been earmarked for grants that should be used during a three-year period. The funding aims to create new connections between different operators, inspire new solutions for achieving carbon neutrality and support the economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.
The funding will be used to launch cooperation programmes that use circular economy principles that support innovation and expertise between the public and private sectors. The objective of these programmes is to create new operating models, business and jobs.
In addition to companies and research organisations, other operators, such as municipalities, regions and non-governmental organisations, may apply for funding. The objective of the grants is to create new operating models and early-stage cooperation networks in order to improve the conditions for business activities within circular economy. Here, networks mean cooperation-based activities of one or more operators in which the sharing of resources and data generates new business. Digitalisation and readiness for broader platform cooperation across sectoral boundaries should be at the core of networks and cooperation.
Grants to finance circular economy networks
Grants may be used to
- implement strategic growth platforms and business networks that promote the circular economy
- develop business networks in the circular economy
- fund projects that promote the circular economy and network development in organisations within the scope of central government on-budget entities and higher education institutions and similar organisations conducting public research or dissemination of information, as well as in municipal and other public organisations.
Grants cannot be used to finance
- already established activities (this is not an operating grant)
- investment projects (facilities, laboratory equipment, etc.), but the acquisition of fixed assets essential for development, such as machinery and equipment, is discretionary under certain conditions
- business activities
- projects of an individual company
- procurement alone (but the funded projects may include procurement).
Applications should be submitted to the Registry of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment at [email protected] by 4 June 2021 at 16.15.
Inquiries:
Ulla Palander, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 049 235
Sari Tasa, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 048 242