Oamk has strengthened its role in the national FISS (Finnish Industrial Symbiosis System) circular economy network
The national FISS (Finnish Industrial Symbiosis System) network, which promotes industrial symbioses, is a collaboration-based model aimed at generating new business opportunities by helping companies and other stakeholders optimize the use of shared resources. Oamk serves as the regional coordinator for the network in the Northern Ostrobothnia area.
Oamk has strengthened its role within the FISS network, with Project Manager Marika Vainio and Lead Researcher Sanna Tyni from Oulu University of Applied Sciences appointed as regional FISS coordinators.
The FISS (Finnish Industrial Symbiosis System) network is a national circular economy network that collaborates with various partners, including Motiva. Through the FISS network, companies can create more value by effectively utilizing each other’s by-products, technology, expertise, or services.
The goal of the FISS network is to promote circular economy practices in industrial operations, primary production, service businesses, and the public sector. The idea is to facilitate the reuse of potentially valuable waste, also known as by-products. These can include, for example, mining waste heaps, large material masses generated in pulp and paper production, and demolition waste in the construction industry. The network is open to companies of all sizes – from large process industry companies with significant by-products to small workshops that might find the necessary steel pipes or sheets from a nearby company’s disposal area.
“The goal is to connect producers of surplus materials with those interested in utilizing them,” says Lead Researcher Sanna Tyni from Oulu University of Applied Sciences.
For this process to succeed, companies need to be aware of each other and the material flows that are generated and could be utilized by others.
“There have been challenges in adopting circular economy principles. There hasn’t been enough awareness, nor necessarily the expertise to innovate new practices. The old ways of operating might feel familiar, easy, and safe, without sufficient external incentives to change. Additionally, producers of material flows and potential buyers haven’t connected sufficiently. The FISS network aims to address these issues,” Tyni explains.
In response, the FISS network has established regional coordination. The role of the regional coordinators is to stay informed about regional activities and stakeholders and provide tools, such as development projects, to bring companies together and generate innovations in this field. Oulu University of Applied Sciences has now been appointed as the regional coordinator for Northern Ostrobothnia.
“This is a national network that covers all of Finland and serves as an excellent collaboration channel for us in the industry. For instance, we are already working on joint project preparations. Our role as regional coordinators also strengthens our expertise in the circular economy theme and enhances our recognition as national experts in the field,” describes Project Manager Marika Vainio.
The role of regional coordinator has already led to international collaboration. This week, Oamk is hosting a visit from Dr. Anna Sibińska, Assistant Professor from the University of Lodz, Poland’s largest university, to plan joint international projects with us. She initially connected with Oulu University of Applied Sciences specifically through the FISS network.
“Through the network, we can, for example, share information about our related projects and the events we organize. When inquiries come our way, we can identify if there is a project within our institution where the network’s assignment could be implemented. The network also serves as a source of information on related topics. We have already discussed ongoing industry projects with the network,” Vainio explains.
The network includes 18 regional coordinators and involves several universities of applied sciences and development companies from across Finland.
“For our projects, this network is an excellent channel to increase impact. It is a great way to spread information about activities, and our projects are tools to achieve this goal. We hope that the projects themselves will be inspired to consider how the network could be utilized in their operations,” Tyni concludes.
For more information:
Marika Vainio, Project Manager, Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Sanna Tyni, Lead Researcher, Oulu University of Applied Sciences