Vestia Oy strengthens Biocluster Finland’s activities as its first supporter – The aim is to promote business development, networking, and knowledge sharing both regionally and nationally
Vestia’s support represents the first step in establishing long-term partnerships for the continuously operating cluster. It enables the development of the cluster’s activities and fosters collaboration and networking among companies, funding organizations, and other stakeholders.
Vestia has supported cluster activities that promote the green and digital transition as well as security already since the preparatory project phase. According to the CEO Olavi Soinio, during the planning project phase, Vestia already identified the need and opportunity to bring together stakeholders in the green transition and circular economy.
– Vestia operates in a region where the circular economy, sustainable use of natural resources, and new operating models are not abstract goals, but part of daily operations. We wanted to contribute to enabling activities that support the long-term development of businesses and regional vitality, Soinio noted.
Vestia’s operations concentrate on Central and North Ostrobothnia where the company is responsible for household waste management and for maintaining the recycling point network in its owner municipalities. Collaboration with Biocluster Finland supports Vestia’s sustainability work and is strongly linked to the company’s value base.
– Vestia’s core tasks include promoting sustainable resource use and environmentally responsible solutions. Biocluster Finland’s activities align with these values: they support the circular economy, low-emission solutions, and the renewal of business activities. For us, collaboration is a way to have a broader impact than just within the boundaries of our own organization, Soinio said.
Cluster activities are guided by clear objectives and practical benefits for companies
From the very beginning, the development work of Biocluster Finland has been goal-oriented, with the aim of creating a platform that brings together companies, development projects, and new solutions. The support provided to the cluster by Vestia has enabled the creation of a shared meeting platform for companies from different sectors, developers, and other stakeholders.
Cluster Manager Anne Sormunen noted that Vestia is both a key actor in the field of circular economy and a pioneering company in sustainable development. Sustainability and environmentally friendlier way of operating are reflected throughout the entire region.
– Through the cluster, research organizations are also involved in the processes of business development and renewal. It is great that the public interest can be promoted through corporate collaboration, Sormunen noted.
According to Soinio, the trust and open dialogue are especially valuable in the cluster activities. The activity aims at concrete actions and collaboration between companies of different sizes.
– Effectiveness and practical benefits for companies emphasize continuous operations. Our goal is that the cluster supports even stronger building new solutions, knowledge sharing and networking both regionally and nationally, Soinio noted.
Long-term development work is key in deepening collaboration
For Vestia supporting cluster activities primarily means a long-term commitment to an operating environment where sustainable business and the circular economy can genuinely develop. Biocluster Finland has a strong understanding of both the needs of companies and the broader context of the green transition, which creates a solid foundation for the development and continuity of operations.
– We found it important that cluster activities do not rely on a temporary project. A continuous model provides better conditions for deepening business collaborations, growing networks, and producing concrete results, Soinio said.
The cluster activity strengthens value chains and synergy between different actors. Through collaboration companies from different industries create, for example, a more resource-wise value chain and new competitive advantage.
– Strengthening expertise in the green and digital transition as well as in crisis resilience and security is also essential in the cluster’s communications and development projects. For example digitalization and artificial intelligence are integrating fast into the daily operations of organizations, so effective yet safe utilization of technology, while also maintaining employees’ skills, ensures future competitiveness and people’s well-being during changes in work, Sormunen explained.
Especially the rapid changes in the operating environment and the general security situation will challenge companies in the future. In this case, the importance of the cluster in creating partnerships and as a distributor of up-to-date information is emphasized.
– At present, anticipating future developments is challenging for companies in a market environment characterized by multiple, intersecting crises. The cluster operates within EU networks and conveys early signals about emerging funding and cooperation opportunities at regional, national, and international levels, which is highly valuable for our network, Sormunen emphasized.
– Companies should also have the opportunity to influence the development of their own industry, share expertise, and build sustainable solutions together with other actors. At the same time, it strengthens companies’ ability to meet future demands, Soinio summarized.
Read more about Vestia: www.vestia.fi/