STRIIM – Strengthening the regional industrial innovation model

• The project strengthened cooperation between the private and public sectors, which is essential for promoting the green transition of the Kilpilahti industrial area in Porvoo towards the vision of a world-class bioeconomy and circular economy hub. The project strengthened cooperation between leading companies in Kilpilahti and companies outside the area, as well as other actors. Interaction and trust between the different parties increased.
• The Kilpilahti Transformation Center operating model demonstrated its potential. Although the model has not yet taken root as a permanent operating model, work to promote it continues. National and international benchmarking carried out as part of the project demonstrated the benefits that a common operating model can bring to industrial areas.
• The vision concept for a plastic recycling refinery in Kilpilahti, created during the project, looks to the future and envisions what kind of ecosystem with different actors could be located in the area in the future. The report can be found in the project materials below and provides an interesting basis for further work.
• The concrete communication and recruitment cooperation carried out during the project demonstrated its strength and potential. Cooperation with various educational organizations will also continue.

Kilpilahti Transformation Center (KTC) concept:

Piloting the cooperation model demonstrated its potential, but the activities did not yet establish a permanent structure during the project. The project showed that the work should be continued. Concrete initiatives included the development of communication cooperation, joint recruitment campaigns by regional actors, strengthening cooperation with educational institutions, and close business cooperation on themes of common interest to regional actors.

Circular economy for plastics – vision and studies:

The project developed a vision concept for a plastic recycling plant that could be located in Kilpilahti in the future. The report identified themes that should be given particular attention: ecosystem management, availability and security of raw materials, investment needs, and building permanent networks.

In addition, a study on plastic waste was conducted with companies located in the Porvoo region. The study highlighted the need for new recycling solutions and closer cooperation.

Communication and advocacy:

The communication and advocacy cooperation carried out during the project was fruitful. Among other things, joint recruitment campaigns for summer workers increased Kilpilahti’s visibility and attractiveness in the eyes of young professionals and demonstrated its potential for further work. In addition, the jointly produced communication materials about Kilpilahti will help to increase the region’s visibility and attractiveness.

The visibility of the region was raised internationally and nationally in various networks. In addition, events were organized that brought together large companies, SMEs, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. There was also a perceived need for such networking in the future.