Target Circular - Successful Launch Event in Iceland for Entrepreneurs and Businesses

On Wednesday, October 23, the Association of Municipalities in Northwest Iceland (SSNV) hosted an event at Grána, Sauðárkrókur, to introduce a new strategic planning method for entrepreneurs and businesses. The event was well-attended and highly successful, offering participants insights into innovative methods designed to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sustainable practices and decision-making.

The project is based on recent research demonstrating how a scientific approach to decision-making can enhance sustainability and operational efficiency for businesses. Recently, this approach has been piloted with five entrepreneurs and businesses in Northwest Iceland, who have achieved positive results using these methods. At the event, participants had the opportunity to hear about these experiences and learn how these new techniques have positively impacted their projects.

The Icelandic participants included Vala from Kaffi Korg, Elínborg from Breiðargerði, María with her Rhodiola cultivation project, Herdís from Kayakar.is, and Amber from Ísponica.

Sveinbjörg Rut Pétursdóttir, project manager for Target Circular on behalf of SSNV, shared that the project aims to simplify decision-making for businesses by providing structured support for information gathering and a more efficient approach to decision-making. “By using data and action recommendations, we help businesses make better-informed decisions that foster both increased efficiency and sustainability,” Sveinbjörg explained during the event.

Stephen Barry Hannon from Munster Technology University in Ireland also presented effective tools for implementing circular economy practices, which have proven beneficial for businesses in Ireland. The event concluded with a special training session for business consultants led by Niall O'Leary from MTU, focusing on teaching the project’s methodology, equipping consultants to better support their clients.