The linear economy has had its day. It no longer works to take resources, use them and throw them away. The climate, the economy and the future demand something different - a circular economy where we reuse, save resources and think smart from the start. And in the midst of this, a realization is emerging: the circular economy is not just an environmental goal. It is a business goal. A sustainability goal. A security goal. Right now, we have a window of opportunity, and Dalarna is ready to strike.
On May 15, we gathered companies, municipalities and community actors at Dalarna Talks. A morning full of ideas, insights and forward-looking conversations. We discussed how Dalarna can become more circular and what is needed for us to take our place in Europe's green transition. We also presented recent figures from the Innovation Panel, and the picture is clear: the support for the transition is there.
88% of Dalarna residents think it is good when companies use recycled materials. More than half see sustainability work as an engine for regional growth. These are strong figures. Not just for those of us who are already working on these issues, but for everyone who wants to help build a Dalarna that is at the forefront. We also have a political situation where the EU's Clean Industrial Deal identifies circularity as a key to the industry of the future and where Sweden has the chance to show how it can be done in practice.
But it requires more than good ambitions. We need to step up, communicate more clearly and involve more people. Even though a quarter of people see Dalarna as a role model when it comes to utilizing residual materials, 45% say they do not know. This means that we need to be better at showing what is already being done and inviting people to do more together.
Initiatives such as the Circular Industry Accelerator, Energismeden and the Swedish Wool Initiative can be some examples that show the way. But we need a broader movement and we need support from the national level. Policy instruments that favor circular solutions. Here Sweden has a chance to lead the way. And here Dalarna has an opportunity to become a pilot region for a new, sustainable economic logic.
We have the knowledge, the will and the commitment. We have started. Now it's time to take the next step. Will you join us? Because it starts with a conversation, and continues with action.
Sign up now for the next Dalarna Talks on June 26 at 14.00, then we are on site and broadcast from Almedalen!
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Here you will also find our archive of previous issues from Dalarna Science Park.
