VTT and RISE strengthening collaboration in bio- and circular economy

The objective of the new agreement between VTT and RISE is to establish a framework for collaboration in the field of bio- and circular economy test and demo infrastructures. The purpose is to create a comprehensive infrastructure portfolio for the benefit of their customers, and to plan future investments. The agreement was signed in Espoo, Finland, on 6th May by Antti Vasara, CEO at VTT and Pia Sandvik CEO at RISE.

Industrial renewal is vital for Finland and Sweden, and this disruption won’t take place without new technologies and innovations. Both research organisations, VTT and RISE, share the same goal to support sustainable development, change towards carbon neutral society and renewal of forest industry.

- We will set up ambitious goals for the collaboration because that is the only way to bring significant benefits for both Finnish and Swedish societies. VTT’s and RISE’s expertise and infrastructures complement each other well, and therefore we can accomplish more and serve our customers better, says Jussi Manninen, EVP from VTT.

A year ago, VTT and RISE signed an agreement to increase R&D co-operation in the field of forest bioeconomy. The new agreement will extend the collaboration to also include use and development of pilot and demo infrastructures. The cooperation will focus especially on biomaterials, biofuel manufacturing processes and digitalisation of a biobased and circular economy.

- Research infrastructure in pilot and demo scale in combination with experienced staff are a prerequisite for upscaling and implementing of new bio-based processes and products. Together RISE and VTT create a very strong offer that further strengthens our positions as leading institutes in development of new products and processes based on biomass, says Marco Lucisano, Senior Vice President Bioeconomy Division RISE.

Further information

VTT
Mika Härkönen tel. +358 400839577, mika.harkonen@vtt.fi

RISE
Karin Johnson, tel. +46 85166768, karin.johnson@processum.se