Nordic Region Aims to Lead in Sustainable Growth and Innovation
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Nordic Innovation, an organization under the Nordic Council of Ministers, has set a bold vision to make the Nordic region a global leader in sustainable growth by fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and competitiveness.
Building on the success of previous initiatives, the Nordic Innovation Cooperation Program for 2025–2027 focuses on three key pillars:
1. Promoting Green and Innovative Solutions
The program aims to accelerate the green and digital transition through initiatives that support the development of innovative and sustainable solutions across the entire product lifecycle. These efforts create added value for the Nordic region and enhance business competitiveness globally.
2. Advancing Digital Solutions and Data Sharing
This pillar focuses on helping Nordic companies leverage digital and green technologies, encouraging collaboration to make the region a front-runner in circular and sustainable business models.
3. Strengthening Access to Finance and Internationalization
Access to finance is a key condition for Nordic companies to scale up and bring green solutions to market.
Efforts will concentrate on mobilizing private capital and addressing market gaps, where Nordic initiatives can complement existing national and international programs.
Highlighted Projects
Within this cooperation framework, around 70 projects are currently being implemented. Some of the most notable include:
Nordic Wool Initiative (2024–2025)
This project focuses on developing a sustainable value chain for Nordic wool, from responsible farming to production and application.
It aims to increase the value of Nordic wool and promote sustainability in the textile industry by connecting producers, designers, and researchers to create high-quality, eco-friendly products.
Nordic Re:turns10 (2024–2026)
The Nordic Re:turns10 project seeks to mobilize NOK 10 billion annually for circular economy companies and solutions over four years.
It draws inspiration from the 10R strategies of circular economy: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, Recover.
The goal is to establish a robust circular investment ecosystem, attracting both Nordic and international investors.
100% Shrimp – Nordic Circular Seafood Supply Chain
This project aims to maximize the use of shrimp byproducts, reducing waste and increasing value creation.
Currently, up to 65% of shrimp is wasted, even though it could be processed into chitosan—a valuable biocompound used in food supplements and biomedical applications.
Key focus areas include:
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Developing drying, grinding, and processing technologies for shrimp shells.
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Building cross-border supply chain infrastructure across Nordic countries.
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Establishing an economically viable model to utilize shrimp byproducts efficiently.
Nordic Piloting Program for Circularity in Technical Building Solutions (2024–2026)
This pilot program accelerates the development of circular building technologies, targeting reduced emissions and improved resource efficiency in the construction sector through innovation and testing of new solutions.
Nordic Propel Bootcamp 2.0 (2024–2026)
A startup accelerator supporting Nordic health-tech and med-tech companies in entering the UK market.
The program provides business development, expert mentoring, and networking support, enabling Nordic startups to scale internationally.
Nordic Chip Collaboration 2025
This initiative strengthens the semiconductor ecosystem in Finland, Sweden, and Norway through practical collaboration.
The 2025 phase focuses on business development opportunities and deeper industrial partnerships to drive tangible outcomes in the Nordic semiconductor sector.
Mapping of the Nordic–Baltic Quantum Ecosystem (2025–2026)
This project provides a comprehensive overview of the quantum technology landscape in the Nordic–Baltic region, identifying collaboration and research opportunities to position the region as a hub for quantum innovation.
Nordic Smart City Circular Fast Track (2025–2027)
This initiative transfers proven circular and smart city solutions between member cities of the Nordic Smart City Network.
Its goal is to scale circular business models, reduce environmental impact, and advance sustainable urban development across the region.
Driving the Green Transition Through Innovation
With over 70 projects already active, the Nordic Innovation Cooperation Program 2025–2027 underscores the region’s commitment to building a sustainable, innovative, and competitive economy that serves as a global model for green transition and circular growth.