Circular economy offers competitive advantage for SMEs in machine and equipment manufacturing
In our new KOMPO project, SMEs can work with experts to identify circular economy opportunities in their own operations and supply chains to determine where to focus their development efforts. The aim is to identify practical development areas and new business opportunities for companies.
In our new KOMPO project, SMEs can work with experts to identify circular economy opportunities in their own operations and supply chains to determine where to focus their development efforts. The aim is to identify practical development areas and new business opportunities for companies.
Changing customer demands for responsibility and efficiency are placing new demands on the development of operations in small and medium-sized machine and equipment manufacturing companies. Circular economy operating models offer significant economic potential but exploiting them requires new expertise and effective cooperation models as part of supply chains.
In the Circular COMPOnent Ecosystem project, we are accelerating the transition of machine and equipment manufacturers’ value networks towards a circular economy. We are mapping the needs, opportunities, and critical development areas of value networks by interviewing large companies in the industry and SMEs operating in their subcontracting chains. The focus is on developing the recyclability and refurbishability of parts and components and strengthening local cooperation networks.
Our goal is to improve the efficiency of supply chains and the reliability of maintenance and delivery, and to strengthen the ability of SMEs to identify circular economy business opportunities that support competitiveness and to operate as part of larger subcontracting networks.
Project measures for SMEs
Through interviews, we identify the circular economy potential of SMEs and new business opportunities, such as solutions related to component and parts refurbishment, service operations, and the utilization of new technologies. Based on the interviews, we offer companies the opportunity to develop company-specific development plans and expert support focused on areas of development that are important to them.
We support the development of the local circular economy ecosystem through workshops and company visits, and at the end of the project, we will compile a Circular Economy Skills Roadmap for SMEs to support the development of their expertise.
Get involved!
Do you want to make your business more sustainable and responsible and put change into practice? Join our KOMPO project!
Company-specific interviews will begin in spring 2026.
Contact:
Sonja Kedonperä, sonja.kedonpera@hamk.fi
Krista Heikkinen, krista.heikkinen@hamk.fi
More information:
Circular COMPOnent Ecosystem
Our Circular COMPOnent Ecosystem project, co-funded by the European Union, accelerates the transition of machine and equipment manufacturers’ value chains towards a circular economy, strengthens the efficiency and reliability of supply chains, and provides practical support to SMEs in the sector in identifying the circular economy potential of their own business and developing new business models.
The project measures in the Uusimaa region are implemented by Technology Center TechVilla and in Kanta-Häme by Häme University of Applied Sciences.
Duration 1.10.2025 – 31.12.2027
Implementors Technology Center TechVilla Oy, Häme University of Applied Sciences Oy
Funders Co-funded by the European Union, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council, Häme Regional Council
Budget 150 000 €
