The summit brought together regional entrepreneurs, innovators, and sustainability leaders to explore collaborative solutions for the region's green transition.
For the second consecutive year we have attended the vibrant Arctic Circular Economy Summit in Kirkenes, northern Norway. The event focused on the importance of circular transition through collaboration beyond regional borders and future opportunities it brings to the region.
Nordic Innovation were co-sponsors and well represented in the program, where we chose to promote the new 'Call for project proposals for a green and competitive Nordic region'.
The conference was well attended by young entrepreneurs and innovators from the Arctic, with most of them naturally coming from Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Innovation advisor Hege Guttormsen had the opportunity to pitch our new Call and participate in the Q&A panel on financing. We experienced great interest in it, so it was very nice to have the opportunity, and hopefully it will contribute to more applications from the northern regions. Gathering at an event like this in the Arctic was a strong reminder of the unique challenges and innovative solutions emerging from these areas.
Guttormsen also moderated the panel debate Arctic development: Collaboration for impact beyond circularity with Terje Jørgensen, Port of Kirkenes, Antonio Guerreiro, Algarve Evolutio and Susanne Andreasen, The Nordic Institute in Greenland (NAPA)
Presenting Nordic Innovation's current call for project proposals and moderating the session on "Arctic development: Collaboration for impact beyond circularity" gave us a valuable opportunity to highlight the significance of Nordic cooperation.
Strengthening regional voices is essential, and the panel discussions reinforced how crucial collaboration within and between regions is to drive sustainable development and strengthen our shared resilience. Guttormsen pointed out she especially appreciated the "Ask Me Anything" session.
"It allowed for direct dialogue with potential applicants. It is important to be available and transparent about our work, and it was a good opportunity to hear what stakeholders genuinely care about to further improve our communication and outreach," she elaborates.
The Arctic may feel far away from Oslo, but it's becoming increasingly central to our shared Nordic future.