Project partners validated the Methodology for Supporting e-Bio-Business Launching in Finland, 21-22. November.

Methodology for Supporting e-Bio-Business Launching is validated and ready for testing.
Project partners validated the Methodology for Supporting e-Bio-Business launching in Finland, 21-22. November.

The project partners gathered on November 21-22 in Kuortane, Finland, to validate the Methodology for Supporting e-Bio-Business Launching (Solution 2) and online tool. Solution 2 has been developed by the Business Development Council of Toender Municipality together with Tartu County Development Association, ProVarde Business Development, Digitaleus Ltd, Into Seinäjoki Ltd and other consortium partners.

The goal of this Methodology is to create an efficient resource for business support centres (BSO) and consultants to identify and assist companies with potential to become e-bio businesses. The Methodology includes specific tools that support each phase of the transition to the e-bio format, ensuring companies gain the necessary biotech and digital capabilities. It features a structured guideline that offers BSOs and consultants a clear framework and steps to effectively use the tools, guiding companies toward a successful e-bio business launch. Users will get the corresponding roadmap to apply to each case according to the answers given to a certain series of questions. The tool is now in English, but especially in rural areas we see the need to have the tool in the local language. The plan is to use AI for translations or other options.

In addition, the online tool for the Methodology for Assessment of e-Bio-Business Supporters (Solution 1) was presented by Regio Vision. This Methodology will support the target groups – local authorities and business support organisations – in their evaluation of the coverage of the competences defined in the Competence Profile and will deliver a supporter skill analysis with a proposal of actions. The Methodology includes a self-evaluation process. After the baseline analysis, the Methodology will provide systems to identify the gaps of the organization, which requires to be filled to advance into the supporting of e-bio-businesses. Finally, the Methodology/Solution 2 will produce a method to estimate the investment to be made, the necessary competences and key staff to be trained. The self-assessment should be done in local language, so consortium looking for different options, incl. AI possibilities for translation.

Also, question about how the data can be accessed or requested in the future, was discussed. One potential solution will be that the consortium defines a list of organizations who provide the information and analysis. Consortium also discussed about the optimal profile look.

Next steps of the development of Solution 1 will be testing the methodology at least in 9 business support centres or municipalities of project partner’s areas. Methodology/Solution 2 will be developed according to the consortium validation results and will be finalised at the beginning of 2025. During the 2025, Solution 2 will be piloted. Partners will select companies, or individuals, with potential to participate in the pilot. 200 visits are planned shared among the 7 pilot areas. Finally, at least 40 SMEs/individuals will implement the full itineraries with a speed-testing of new bio-products or digitalization.

The first day of meeting ended with a guest speaker Mira Valkjärvi from Centria University of Applied Sciences. Mira gave a comprehensive overview and insights to Finnish sustainability work and introduced Circular Economy Road Map of Finland, National Strategy to promote circular economy, Circular Economy Finland (KiSu) which is a hub for circular economy know-how etc.

On the second day, partners discussed and agreed on the next steps of the activities, including Solution 2 company visits indicators by partner. Lead partner co-ordinator Piret Arusaar gave an overview about communication activities and the process of preparation and compilation of the interim report of the second period.

Consortium meeting in Kuortane was hosted by Finnish partners from Into Seinäjoki Ltd , JPYP Business Service and Centria University of Applied Sciences.

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