On February 28, as part of Vidzeme Innovation Week, we organised an event in collaboration with Cleantech Latvia to discuss food system transformation and innovations. The event attracted a lot of interest, bringing together entrepreneurs, public sector representatives, researchers, NGOs and innovation enthusiasts at Valmiermuiža.
The event, titled “Food System Transformation: Bold Ideas and the Role of Innovation in Industrial Symbiosis” featured professionals sharing their experiences and inspiring stories about the use of resources in the circular economy, particularly in the food industry. Alberto Giacometti, expert on regional development and urban planning, presented findings from a recent study on bio-industrial symbiosis in the Baltic Sea region. He outlined industry trends, evolution of terminology and imbalanced progress across Baltic Sea countries.
Inese Suija-Markova, Deputy Chair of Cēsis municipality, presented the Vidzeme Bioregion as a good-practice example of creating an area that goes beyond organic farming and is also mapping available resources to ensure environmental sustainability. In her address, she highlighted local circular economy initiatives and shared the completed and planned projects in the field of industrial symbiosis in the Vidzeme region.
Two pioneering Latvian companies shared their stories and practical examples in making the circular economy a reality. Toms Auškāps, Board Member and Communications and Development Director at A/S Balticovo, spoke about the company’s efforts in turning production by-products into a valuable resource – biomethane. Evija Pudāne, Executive Director of Cleantech Latvia, presented the case of SIA BIOMUND revealing the potential of resource lying in the insect farming.
A panel discussion on the development of bio-industrial symbiosis in the Baltic Sea region featured experts from three countries: Evija Pudāne (Latvia), Dalia Miniataitė (Lithuania), and Alberto Giacometti (Sweden). They agreed that while this field has huge untapped potential, it remains underdeveloped due to various challenges related to legal regulations and cross-border cooperation.
After the panel, there were presentations from Finland and Sweden, namely, introducing a Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnership called Plant-Based Food Innovation, where Vidzeme region is a co-lead partner, and Grain Cluster from the region of Päijät-Häme, as well as Food Pilot Plant of LAB University of Applied Sciences.
Attendees acknowledged that the event helped them better understand bio-industrial symbiosis and its potential in Latvia. Participants encouraged businesses to think bigger, embrace innovation and be part of the change. Knowledge-sharing and collaboration are key to this, and, in order to promote it, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office has been participating at the Vidzeme Innovation Week for the second year in a row. The event was moderated by our colleague Maija Kāle, Sustainability Advisor.
Additional contacts
Mr. Harri Kuusela. E-mail: harri.kuusela@paijat-hame.fi
Regional Council of Päijät-Häme
RESOURCES
Report by Nordregio: Industrial symbiosis – an end or a means? State of art in the Baltic Sea region
