Development of Kiviruukki hub for circular economy and cooperation network progresses
The City of Espoo invited landowners and stakeholders from the Kiviruukki area to the Kiviruukki Forum, consisting of an information event and workshop, where the development of the area and related schedules were discussed. The forum was held on 3 June 2024. Projects within the Kiviruukki circular economy hub, such as VTT Bioruukki and the Cleantech Garden central block, also moved forward during the summer.
The city’s new flagship project, Kiviruukki hub for circular economy, focuses in particular on developing suitable conditions for the circular economy of textiles and plastics and a sustainable food system. At the Kiviruukki Forum, there were also discussions on other themes included in the Sustainable Espoo programme that relate to the project, such as energy and transport. The event was held at the premises of BPW Kraatz, an importer in the transport sector, that has operated in the area for decades. More than 40 participants attended the event.
Kiviruukki Forum praised for its openness and active engagement
The workshop kicked off with speeches by representatives of the Urban Environment Sector on topical issues, such as the work on the Kiviruukki area’s district plan and sustainable urban development agreements. The first steps in co-creation were taken back in the summer of 2023 at a workshop organised as part of the KETO project, which brought together current and potential operators in the Kiviruukki area to brainstorm activities and collaboration opportunities for the area. Close dialogue between the city’s various projects, sectors and internal and external stakeholders makes it easier for current and future operators to network, gain visibility both domestically and internationally, and discuss issues with the city. The feedback collected after the event was positive, and new events are already being planned.
Kiviruukki brings together companies, research and education focused on clean technology
VTT Bioruukki, the largest bio- and circular economy research institute in the Nordic countries, is currently extending its facilities to meet the needs of low-carbon transport and hydrogen economy research. At the start of the summer, the City of Espoo decided to conclude a land lease agreement with NCC Property Development Oy as part of the Cleantech Garden project, which brings together companies, research and education focused on clean technology in Kiviruukki. Thanks to Espoo’s clean transition innovation ecosystem’s Green Line concept(external link, opens in a new window), Kiviruukki will be internationally known as a unique innovation hub for bio- and circular economies, with key themes including a sustainable food system, a carbon-neutral energy economy, a biomass-based circular economy, and mobility solutions.
Next steps
The results of the workshop, stakeholder collaboration, and the project steering group’s insights will be utilised in the future to develop the area and make it more appealing. The development of Kiviruukki is part of regional cooperation with the Uusimaa circular economy valley(external link, opens in a new window). The goal of the project is to foster collaboration in order to strengthen Finland’s position as a world-class hub for clean technology expertise, making it an attractive investment opportunity for both domestic and international players.
How can I get involved?
For more information about the Kiviruukki cooperation network, please contact Project Manager Päivi Hertel from the City of Espoo: paivi.hertel@espoo.fi.
Text: Lotta Mannonen, City of Espoo
