VEKKI – Network Sustainability Data for Advancing the Circular Economy

The VEKKI project aims to enhance the capacity of SMEs to collect and utilize sustainability data at the network level, guide companies toward circular economy solutions, and increase expertise in leveraging digital solutions, including AI, in sustainability data management. The project addresses the current chal-lenge where SMEs are often unable to meet the sustainability requirements of large client companies, limiting their participation in value chains that promote the circular economy.Key objectives:1. Promote SMEs’ ability to participate in circular economy value chains using sustainability data. The project identifies best practices for utilizing sustainability data at the network level, with a focus on digital solutions. Peer learning is applied, and case studies are produced to serve as examples for other business networks.2. Develop SMEs’ expertise in collecting and utilizing sustainability data at the network level. The project develops and pilots operational models for producing and using sustainability data in collaboration with a pilot network. The developed and piloted model will be refined into a digital guide.3. Support SMEs in adopting circular economy solutions. The goal is for 8 companies to create their own development plans during a workshop series, using case studies and the digital guide produced in earlier phases.4. Promote the use of digital solutions in sustainability data management and reporting. The aim is to identify and present suitable digital solutions for SMEs that they can utilize to support their development.5. Strengthen regional collaboration and expertise, especially between research institutions and SMEs. The project seeks to integrate circular economy principles into product development and supply chains, broadly enhancing regional skills in collecting and utilizing sustainability data, applying digital solutions (including AI) at the network level, and advancing circular economy solutions through sustainability data. Results will be widely disseminated internationally across the Baltic Sea region.Expected outcomes:As a result of the project, SMEs will be able to produce and utilize sustainability data as part of network collaboration, taking advantage of digitalization opportunities. This will enable their participation in circular economy value chains, enhance competitiveness, and support the development of regional business networks that are resource-wise and circular-economy-oriented.