Outputs & Results
Target Circular addresses opportunities in the circular economy, how Business Support Organisations (BSOs) structure their services, and evidence regarding the specifics of what support increases SME success.
Introduction
SMEs, an in particular sustainability-focused ones, in the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) face more challenges to achieving success than typical SMEs. Target Circular's objective is to create resources for, and upskill, Business Support Organisations (BSOs) and clusters in 3 areas: 1. Advising SMEs for success, 2. Identifying and elaborating circular opportunities, and 3. Shared Services and client learning.
Shared Services and Client Learning
Improve the service offered by Business Support Organisations (BSOs) to SMEs by supporting the digitalisation of client development and the strategic provision of shared services to clients.
Shared Service Suite of Resources
Our jointly developed solution is a practical, evidence-based "Shared Service Suite" designed to help BSOs strengthen the support they provide to SMEs.
Identifying and Elaborating Circular Opportunities
Develop a knowledge base accessible to SMEs and their advisor to support new product and service idea generation in the circular economy through value networks and the potential for circular utilisation in the NPA area.
Circular Economy Toolkit for Business Service Advisors
The toolkit provides advisors with structured, practical tools to guide this shift, including: Resource and material flow analysis, Analysis of tangible resources, Circular Business Model Canvas, and Circular economy advisory checklist.
The Circular Economy Handbook
The Circular Economy Handbook offers a comprehensive understanding of circular economic principles and how they can be put into practice. It aims to inspire, guide and empower companies to recognise circularity not only as a responsibility, but as a competitive advantage and long-term value creation. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/912751
Advising SMEs for Success
Support the rapid adoption of evidence-based entrepreneurial support by SME advisors and policymakers in NPA regions. Early adoption of this scientific approach has the potential to be a competitive advantage for SMEs in the Northern Periphery and Arctic.
BSOs, Clusters, and HEI Jointly Piloting New Approaches to Supporting SMEs
The pilots were all successful and well received by participants and observing stakeholders. The sequential nature of the approach led to significant changes to the format and method of delivery until the final Strategic Clarity Handbook.