The best way to support the circular economy transition of companies and the development of skills by universities of applied sciences is network-like cooperation. The key points are the management's commitment, the identification of the special characteristics of the universities of applied sciences and the companies, as well as the identification of experts.

The vision of the project is to create a national operating model that increases the circular economy together with the Finnish university of applied sciences network. Turku, Lapland and LAB University of Applied Sciences have committed to develop a nationwide network of universities of applied sciences, which aims to offer support especially small and medium-sized companies to develop their operations towards a circular economy. The implementations consider the regional development role of universities of applied sciences, which involves cooperation with various stakeholders (companies, municipalities, cities, business support services, networks). During the project, UASs committed to promoting the circular economy are identified, and the aim is to identify the regional strengths, profiles, and experts of these UASs to serve regional and national development work in the green transition.

The good practices identified in the network are used to increase companies’ awareness and knowledge about circular economy opportunities and different networks. The operation is developed in cooperation with the Kiertotalous-Suomi network and other stakeholders. The funding is provided by Sitra.