NORDIC CIRCULAR SUMMIT 2023
The Nordic Circular Summit (NCS) 2023 takes place in Reykjavík, Iceland, and online on the 17th-18th of October. This year, the programme will be split over two days, so that the first day will take place in a hybrid format from Reykjavík, and the second day will be held online. The theme of this year’s summit is the human factors of circular economy. The Nordic Circular Summit is co-hosted by Nordic Circular Hotspot and Nordic Innovation, and is an official World Circular Economy Forum Side Event, and a pre-event to the Arctic Circle Assembly. See the full programme below!
Welcome to the Nordic Circular Summit 2023. The sessions will take place in Reykjavik, Iceland, on the 17th of October, and online on the 18th of October.
Nordic Circular Summit Programme
Tuesday, 17th of October 09:00-16:30 GMT — Reykjavík, Iceland
09:00–10:00 Registration and morning coffee
10:00–12:00 The Human Factors of Circular Economy (main stage)
Humans are the drivers of the transition to a circular economy. Our talents, capacity for compassion and creativity and awareness are our biggest assets. Putting humans and our connection to nature at the core of the circular economy reminds us that our well-being is connected to the well-being of our planet. The transition to a circular economy will only be successful if we manage to leave behind the damaging aspects of the linear economy. The new circular economy has to meet the needs of all, ensuring accessible, affordable and secure resources and services.
We know that a change is needed and it is in our power to make it happen.
12:00–13:00 Lunch
13:00–14:15 Building Blocks of Circular Societies (parallel session)
Circular societies encompass various components and building blocks. How do policies and social governance shape the foundation of circular societies? What role do data and material flows play in this context? Through urban metabolism and material mapping, we will explore these topics, discuss the much-needed shared circular policies and consider the role of Nordic collaboration in the material revolution.
13:00–14:15 Future Value: Nordic Sustainable and Circular Finance (parallel session)
The benefits of investing in circular business models are two-fold: Creating long-term value and investing in a sustainable future. Through Nordic case studies from the markets, we explore circular and sustainable financing, as well as the important roles of banks, investors and VC, startups and SMEs. What is the state of sustainable and circular financing in the Nordics, and how can we create more opportunities? We have probably all heard the saying ‘money talks’ — but how do we ensure that money is available where it is needed?
14:15–14:45 Break
14:45–15:30 From Nature for Nature (parallel session)
How can biomimicry and nature itself lead us towards protecting biodiversity and regenerating natural resources? The natural world is circular, providing us with endless inspiration for circular design, products and strategies. The ocean plays a vital role for Nordic societies, and we are connected by our shared shores. Thus, protecting and future-proofing the seas surrounding us are some of the most crucial environmental and climate issues the Nordic countries are facing. Are we ready to move from exploitation to exploration and confront some of the elephants in the room to protect our nature?
14:45–15:30 Circular Economy: It’s Working (parallel session)
Come and learn with us what makes a company a circular unicorn. Knowledge about the circular economy and its benefits is gaining momentum in the mainstream. We must transform this increased awareness into action. Sharing the opportunities and enablers of circular economy can benefit us all. What are the cornerstones of a winning circular strategy? What can we learn from those who have already been successful at it? How can we pull together the pioneering successes to move firmly from talk to action? Now is the time to act.
15:30–15:45 Break
15:45–16:30 Closing session (main stage)
What have we learned from the Nordic Circular Summit 2023 sessions? Do we understand how important the human factor is for circular economy to succeed? How can we inspire change and what is the way forward? And last but not least, where will NCS2024 be hosted?
Wednesday, 18th of October 10:00-16:00 GMT — Online
On Wednesday, the 18th, we continue online with an exciting programme of digital partner sessions broadcast from around the Nordics. More information available soon!
