The NPA 2021-2027 Monitoring Committee met for the first time on 28th September in Monaghan (Ireland), to decide on the projects applications submitted for the First Call for projects of the Interreg NPA 2021-2027 programme. The Monitoring Committee approved 8 projects out of 19 applications received. In total, more than 7 million EUR were allocated, corresponding to 16% of the programme budget for projects.
Four projects were approved under Priority 1- Innovation capacity, and four under Priority 2 - Climate change and resource sufficiency. The Lead Partners are based in Norway (3), Finland (3) and Ireland (2), whereas the partnerships include organisations from Ireland (14), Norway (10), Sweden (9), Finland (8), Iceland (7), the Faroe Islands (2) and from Greenland (1).
The following projects were approved:
RoboDemo - Demonstrating New Generation Robotics and Smart Manufacturing to SMEs in the NPA Region
The overall project aim is to develop and pilot a technology transfer model that supports companies in the NPA area in the adoption of smart manufacturing and I4.0 technologies for business development.
- Centria University of Applied Sciences, with Kokkolanseudun Kehitys Ltd (FI)
- Sligo Leitrim ITS Regional Development Projects DAC (IE)
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway (SE)
- Luleå University of Technology, with ProcessIT Innovations (SE)
- T2 Trä och teknikcollege I Skellefteå (SE)
INNOCAP Building public sector innovation capacity towards digital-driven NPA communities
INNOCAP’s overall objective is to provide enhanced quality and sustainable public services by enabling public sector organisations to lead the adoption of disruptive innovations and digital technologies.
- European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology, with Province of Newfoundland and Labrador (IE and Canada)
- Donegal County Council (IE)
- National University of Ireland, Galway (IE)
- Association of Municipalities of the South Iceland (IS)
- University of Helsinki with City of Mikkeli (FI)
- Association of Local Authorities Västernorrland (SE)
With a large network of associated partners.
Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success
SMEs, and in particular sustainability-focused SMEs, in the NPA face more challenges to achieving success than typical SMEs. Target Circular’s objective is to create resources for, and upskill, business support organisations and clusters in: 1. Supporting circular SMEs specifically, 2. Address opportunities for innovation and expansion of service provision to SMEs, and 3. Capitalise on new evidence regarding how best to improve SME rates of job creation, growth, and competitiveness.
- Munster Technological University, with Community Enterprise Association Ireland and Donegal County Council (IE)
- Ludgate Operations CLG (IE)
- Federation of Regional Authorities North west Iceland (IS)
- Biotech North (NO)
- Centria University of Applied Sciences Ltd (FI)
- Kokkolanseudun Kehitys Ltd (FI)
- Strukturum i Jokkmokk AB (SE)
GLOW 2.0 Green energy technologies for tourism growth
This project GLOW2.0 will apply a Green Business Model to pilot and learn how to develop sustainability methodologies in SMEs with a focus on companies and social enterprises serving the Dark Nights Tourism Economy.
- Karelia University of Applied Sciences (FI)
- The Gaeltacht Authority (IE)
- Innovation and Management Centre WestBIC (IE)
- Federation of Regional Authorities North West Iceland (IS)
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway(NO)
- Federation of Northern Lapland municipalities (Sodankylä, Inari, Utsjoki)(SE)
HYBES Hybrid energy solutions for buildings, and infrastructure
The project combines the concept of ‘Living Labs’ and the roll out of innovative tools to establish dedicated Decarbonisation Zones (DZ) in rural and peripheral regions. Through the Living Lab projects partners will build citizen knowledge and understanding about the importance and benefits of decarbonisation.
- Nordland Research Institute (NO)
- Cork County Council, with Atlantic Seaboard South, Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) (IE)
- Secure and Fix It Enterprises T/A NCE Insulation, with Carbery Housing Association CLG and The Carbon Club (IE)
- University College Cork - National University of Ireland (IE)
- Tórshavn municipality (FO)
- National Energy Authority (IS)
- Bodø Municipality (NO)
- City of Umeå, with AB Bostaden (SE)
- Umeå University (SE)
Ar2CorD Low Carbon Concrete for Arctic Climate with Excellent Sustainability and Durability
The frost resistance issue is likely the biggest challenge/obstacle in reducing the carbon footprint of concrete. Ar2CorD will focus on the optimisation of low carbon concrete (LCC) with the use of established and non-established locally available supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), with substitution of minimally 30% of portland cement. The solutions to the issues created by the freeze-thaw cycle encountered in Arctic conditions will be addressed to achieve a suitable evaluation system for LCC.
- UiT, The Arctic University of Norway with Betongfokus and Betong Norge - Precast concrete association (NO)
- Permagreen Grønland A/S (GL)
- Reykjavik University with Housing and Construction Authority (IS)
- BM Vallá ehf. (IS)
- NORCEM AS (NO)
- University of Oulu, with Ruskon Betoni Oy and Suomen betoniyhdistys ry (FI)
- Lulea University of Technology (SE)
- Concrete Industry (SE)
CIRCNETS Blue Circular Nets
When fishing nets are approaching their end-of-life (EOL), the nets should be collected and disposed appropriately. Setting up a collection network in the demanding NPA circumstances requires extra efforts from all of those involved. On the other hand, this offers also an opportunity to recycle and eventually also reuse the collected materials. The main outcome of the projects is a Blueprint for collection, treatment and reuse of EOL fishing gear for the NPA region and in delivering this CIRCNETS also prepares the stakeholders involved in fishing business for the implementation of the legislative changes.
- University of Oulu, with Vonin Ltd, Keep Sweden Tidy and Laitakari Fish Ltc (FI)
- Western Development Commission (IE)
- National University of Ireland Galway (IE)
- Marine Ecological Solutions with Kaldera Group Ltd (IS)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology with Arctic Technology Center and Norwegian Plastics Recycling Company (NOPREC) (NO)
- Municipality of Sotenäs (SE)
ENFORCE Energy & Resource Recovery from Wastewater for Circular Economy
ENFORCE aims to develop a resource efficient wastewater management model that will reduce water and environmental footprint of wastewater treatment provisions in the region to ensure sustainability.
- UiT, The Arctic University of Norway with Inter-municipal political council for Lofoten and Narvik Sustainable Technologies AS (NO)
- University of Ireland Galway (IE)
- University of Faroe Islands with the Environment Agency (FO)
- Arctic Experts (NO)
Congratulations to all the approved projects and best wishes for a successful cooperation!