About us

Nordic region

With a combined population of over 27 million, the Nordic region makes up the 12th-largest economy in the world. As such, the region has a much bigger impact than its size would merit when it comes to accelerating the transition to a circular economy that is inclusive, resource efficient and regenerative. The region is also very active, influential and catalytic on a global scale, with a significant potential to act as a role model for others to follow.

Backstory

Built with passion

The Nordic Circular Hotspot was initiated in 2018 and is, at present, run by a board of Managing Partners from all five Nordic countries. All Managing Partners are experts in the circular economy.

The NCH was initiated by Elin Bergman (Cradlenet) from Sweden and Cathrine Barth (Natural State) from Norway when they met during the Holland Circular Economy Week in The Netherlands. They were impressed by the work of the Holland Circular Hotspot and wanted to start a similar organisation in the Nordics.

Having secured funding from Nordic Innovation, the Nordic Circular Hotspot kick-started its pre-phase in 2018 by focusing on investigating and surveying what the relevant stakeholders in the Nordics wanted from a Nordic Circular Hotspot. Following the pre-phase and utilising the findings from the survey and the NCH’s Network Map of the Nordics, additional funding was received from Nordic Innovation to implement the strategic development process during 2020-2030.

Stepping up the operation

Now, the Nordic Circular Hotspot is working on the realisation and implementation in the market and functions as the leading resource on the circular economy across the whole of the Nordic region. Its Nordic Circular Arena, Partnership Programme, Nordic Circular Summit, as well as other events and initiatives, are well-established and gaining recognition in the Nordics and beyond.

In the run-up to 2030, the Nordic Circular Hotspot will focus on achieving a critical mass of circular and sustainable dynamics and transactions in the Nordic region, reaching transitional tipping points to circularity faster in all segments and sectors.

Vision

The Nordic Circular Hotspot envisions a vibrant, prosperous and regenerative region that will be fully circular and a role model for others in the world to follow. The old ways of achieving success are no longer working and, therefore, the Nordic Circular Hotspot envisions a new status quo in the Nordics. Through its strategic and systemic approach, the Nordic Circular Hotspot aims to accelerate the transition to an inclusive, circular and sustainable economy in the Nordics.

Mission

Through propelling collaboration, knowledge, capacity building and investments in circular economy solutions, the Nordic Circular Hotspot’s mission is to accelerate the transition to an inclusive, resource-efficient, regenerative and circular market in the Nordic region and contribute in a meaningful way to:

→ reinventing how the Nordics design, produce and market products;

→ rethinking how the Nordics use and consume goods and services; and

→ redefining growth in the Nordics and what is possible through reuse, reduction, repairing, regeneration and, most importantly, systems change.

Financing

The Nordic Circular Hotspot is co-funded by Nordic Innovation with contributions from the Partners and Managing Partners.

If you are interested in co-financing the Nordic Circular Hotspot’s activities, events or projects, or you would like to become a strategic partner, please reach out to us.