Sessions

1.1 Circular Material Technologies and Solutions (Governance), chair: Apostolos Malamakis

Driving Circular Bioeconomy Transition Across European Cities and Regions
Katerina Medkova, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Piloting National Coordination for ERDF Implementation: Mid-Term Findings from Finland’s Green Transition Project
Sanna Tyni, Oulu University of Applied Sciences

Design-driven Circular Economy Transitions in European Regions
Aino Vepsäläinen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Policy Evolution of Sustainable Urban Transportation in Saudi Arabia (2000–2025)
Saad Alquhtani, Najran University

2.1 Active and Inclusive Well-being, chair: Kati Peltonen

Designing Inclusive Well-being Services: Lessons from a Tailored Support Model for Immigrant Parents (Practical case example)
Mariia Baliasina, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Urban Nature, Well-being and Active Living: A Multiple Case Study from the City of Lahti
Sanna Kangas, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Supporting Educational Re‑engagement of NEET Learners through a Self‑Paced Online Mathematics Course: Applied Research Evidence from Finland
Päivi Porras, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Perceptions of Entrepreneurial Well-being Among People Aged 50+ Considering Entrepreneurship: A Pilot Study
Kati Peltonen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

1.1 Circular Material Technologies and Solutions & 1.2 Future Perspectives of the Biobased Economy, chair: Ville Uusitalo

Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging and Machine Learning for Advanced Fiber-Type Discrimination in End-of-Life Textiles
Mourad Kharbach, LAB University of Applied Sciences

A Two-Pathway Framework to Scale Structural Timber Reuse for Climate-Smart Cities and Regions in Finland
Ramin Khaledi, LAB University of Applied Sciences

From Waste to Commercially Reusable Resource? Evolution of Horse Manure Utilization Models in Finland
Päivi Karhunen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

3.3 Smart and Sustainable Innovations, chair: Minna-Maari Harmaala

Towards Sustainable Innovations Through the Body – Hands-on Thinking as a Smart Value Creation Process
Paula Nurminen & Hanna Heinonen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Commercialization Dynamics under Crisis and Stability: A Comparative Analysis of a Sustainability-Driven Technology
Alexander Matrosov, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Beyond Resource Constraints: Life-Course Dimensions of Growth in the Smallest SMEs
Outi-Maaria Palo-oja, Sami Heikkinen & Sofi Granö, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Smart Export Support for Regional Competitiveness: Unlocking Finnish SME Internationalization through Digital Innovation and Firm-Driven Policy Design
Lasse Torkkeli, LAB University of Applied Sciences

1.1 Circular Material Technologies and Solutions (Governance), chair: Sanna Tyni

Climate-resilient and Circular Cities: Systemic Transitions through Sustainable Urban Planning
Apostolos Malamakis, Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)

Science-based Knowledge Enhancing Climate-smart Local Governance? The Case of Päijät-Häme, Finland
Marjut Villanen, LAB University of Applied Sciences & Maarit Virtanen, Regional Council of Päijät-Häme

From Policy to Practice: Circular Economy Governance in Central Macedonia through OECD Mission (Practical case example)
Chrysanthi Kiskini, Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia

From Compliance to Regeneration: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Barriers and Enabling Factors in European Circular Bioeconomy Transitions
Petra Zahumenská, Technical University of Kosice & Katerina Medkova, LAB University of Applied Sciences

3.1 Designing Responsible and Sustainable Futures, chair: Aino Vepsäläinen

Implications of Social Responsibility to Future-proof Smart Communities
Suvi Siven, Laurea University of Applied Sciences & Terhi Saarijärvi, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Smart Skills for Socio‑ecological Futures - Aesthetic Experience for Learning
Anne Pässilä, LUT University

Co-creating a Model for a Circular Hub – Best Practices from ARKI 135 (Practical case example)
Kaisa Spilling, Forum Virium Helsinki

Chromocene Urbanism: Colour as Ecological Intelligence in Smart and Sustainable Regions
Ville Huhtanen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

2.3 Sport and Nature-Based Solutions, chair: Elina Hasanen

Demand for Nature-based Services: A Consumer Study in Finland
Riikka Puhakka, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Healthy, Liveable Neighbourhoods Through Nature-Based Solutions: Engaging Vulnerable Groups in Co-Creating Place-Based Innovations (Practical case example)
Mikko Laak, Forum Virium Helsinki

From Grassroots Engagement to Ecosystem Innovation: Good Practices in Sport and Leisure (Practical case example)
Sanna Kangas, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Co-LIFE session 1, chair: Olga Bogdanova

Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship Education for Sustainable Regions: An EU-India Collaboration (Practical case example)
Olga Bogdanova, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship through Responsible Innovation in Higher Education (Practical case example)
Nansi Van Geetsom, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences

Revising an Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship Course: The International and Interdisciplinary Experience of the Co-LIFE Project
Eva Sørum Poulsen, Aarhus University

From Value Creation to Impact Pathways: A Dual-Lens Framework Using IBMC and Theory of Change (Practical case example)
Maitrayee Mukerji, Ravi Sreedharan & Naghma Abidi, Indian School of Development Management

3.1 Designing Responsible and Sustainable Futures, chair: Pasi Juvonen

User-Centred Insights on Integrating Smart Urban Air Mobility into Sustainable Cities
Minna-Maari Harmaala & Sirpa Lassila, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

Roadmap towards a Circular Economy in the Finnish Mechanical Engineering Industry (Practical case example)
Taina Lahtinen, Åbo Akademi University & Johnny Långstedt, Turku University of Applied Scienes

From Platforms to People: Rehumanizing Knowledge Transfer in Smart Regional Ecosystems
Sofia Ramos Velasquez, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Designing a Youth‑Focused Digital Platform for Nature and Cultural Heritage Sites through User‑Centred Design
Saara Pylvänäinen & Elena Mochnikova, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

2.1 Active and Inclusive Well-being & 2.2 Solutions for Digital Health and Safety, chair: Riikka Puhakka

Implications of Meaningful and Meaningless Work to Employee Well-being in Smart Cities' Research and Development
Terhi Saarijärvi, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Evaluation of an Intervention on Young People’s Active Travel Practices
Elina Hasanen, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

Cohort as Community: Designing Self-Sustaining Peer Networks as Social Infrastructure for Smart Cities (Practical case example)
R Meenakshisundareswaran, Indian School of Development Management

Knowledge Co‑creation Promoting Social Inclusion in Health and Welfare Technology‑Assisted Health and Care Services
Suvi-Jonna Martikainen & Riika Saurio, LUT University

3.2 Commercial Value through Responsibility?, chair: Päivi Karhunen

How do Consumers Make Sense of Sustainability in Forest-based Products?
Heidi Myyryläinen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Climate Adaptation as a Value Driver for Urban Businesses (Practical case example)
Mirka Råberg, Forum Virium Helsinki

Affects of Digital Product Passport – a Critical Review of Power Asymmetries
Anu Kurvinen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Co-LIFE session 2, chair: Olga Bogdanova

Designing Sustainable Business Development via Learning by Developing Pedagogics in India - EU HEI Collaboration: Exploring Student Views
Taina Vuorela, Laurea University of Applied Sciences & Anna Pajari, LAB University of Applied Sciences

A Competency-Based Cross-Border Faculty Development Model for Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship Education
Arpita Amarnani, Goa Institute of Management

Erasmus+ Co-Life Project - Saafwater (Practical case example)
Diya Guha Roy, Goa Institute of Management

1.3 Sustainable Systemic Transitions (Mobility & Technology), chair: Ander de Keijzer

Sustainable Mobility in Lahti: Assessing Biodiversity Impacts of Commuting by Developing Transport-Specific Factors
Mukesh Basnet, LUT University

Local Business Perspectives on Current State, Needs and Challenges of Delivery Services in Lahti City Center
Niina Sallinen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

AI-Driven Optimization of Urban EV Charging Infrastructure: A Structured Review and Conceptual Framework for Climate-Smart Regions
Hesam Vahib, LUT University

Catalyzing Urban Energy Transitions via Hyperlocal Weather Monitoring (Practical case example)
Atte Laakso, WeatherSens

3.2 Commercial Value through Responsibility?, chair: Katja Soini

Smart Value Creation in SMEs: Responsible Strategy as a Catalyst for Sustainable Competitiveness
Suvi Siven, Laurea University of Applied Sciences & Jukka Sirkiä, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Sustainability as a Driver and Constraint in SME Internationalization: Evidence from Growth-Oriented Finnish Firms
Lasse Torkkeli, LAB University of Applied Sciences

The Corporate ESG Implementation in Practice: Evidence from V4 Countries
Martin Maris, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

Exploring Behavioural and Economic Barriers to Emotionally Charged Organic Materials Across Stakeholders
Paula Nurminen, Aino Vepsäläinen & Outi-Maaria Palo-oja, LAB University of Applied Sciences

1.3 Sustainable Systemic Transitions (Citizens), chair: Meri Jalonen

Second-Order Norms and Sustainable Forestry Consumption: An Exploratory Study
Heidi Myyryläinen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

The ENGAGE Model as a Social and Organisational Innovation for Engaging Health and Care Staff in the Green Transition
Anne Pässilä & Riika Saurio, LUT University

Can Awareness and Acceptability of Agricultural Greenhouse Emissions Be Increased with Brief Communication Interventions? A Case Study Among University Students in Finland
Kaisa Tuominen, LAB University of Applied Sciences

2.2 Solutions for Digital Health and Safety, chair: TBC

Sustainability through AI Innovations in the Ageing Society
Marketta Niemelä, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Assessing the Multidimensional Sustainability Impacts of Remote Health and Social Care Services: A Case from the Wellbeing Services County of Päijät-Häme, Finland (Practical case example)
Anni Toivanen, Wellbeing Services County of Päijät-Häme; Ville Norberg & Sampo Juustila, Trail Openers

Developing a Smart Campus Concept & Service Portfolio - A Practical Case Example from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Practical case example)
Shree Gurudath, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

1. Climate-Smart and Circular Economy

Reclaimed Water from WWTP Permeate: A Pilot Study
Vuokko Malk, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

Industrial Ecosystems to Enhance Bio and Circular Economy Collaboration – Utilization of Materials and Energy Side Streams
Rauno Toppila, Oulu University of Applied Sciences

Cost-Effective Lake Water Sampling with a Commercial Drone-Mounted Water Sampler
Niina Laurila, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

50 Visions of Circular Economy 2033 – A Student-Generated Scenario Atlas
Kimmo Heponiemi, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Producing Organic Fertilisers from Biogas Plant Digestates Using the Paskìer® Process
Vuokko Malk, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

The Suitability of Demolition Concrete as Raw Material for Recycled Concrete
Salla Pulliainen, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

Bridging the Gap Between CCU Innovation and Industrial Deployment: A Web-Based Technical Screening Framework to Accelerate Commercialization
Riikka Savijärvi, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Utilization of Non-usable Books as Raw Material for Pyrolysis Char
Salla Pulliainen, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

Urban Phosphorus Recovery: From Waste to Resource in Circular Wastewater Systems
Anu Karppinen, University of Helsinki

Recycling Waste-Derived Carbon into Polyhydroxyalkanoates, A Raw Material for Biodegradable Plastics
Mubina Ghazi, University of Helsinki

Benefits of Farm-scale Biogas Plants in the South Savo Region
Salla Pulliainen, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

Energy Consumption Time Series Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Xiaolei Wang, LAB University of Applied Sciences

2. Well-being in Smart Cities and Regions 

Using Heat‑Island Mapping to Support Urban Planning and Climate Change Adaptation: A Case Study of Päijät‑Häme, Finland
Erika Tapaninen & Jonie Agas, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Strengthening Local Nature-based Well-being Initiatives: Health Forest Guides in the Lahti Region
Taru Pietilä, Wellbeing Services County of Päijät-Häme

3. Smart Value Creation

Enabling SME Engagement in Regional Climate Implementation
Ismo Nieminen, LAB University of Applied Sciences & George Banias, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)

Unlocking Circular Opportunities in the Furniture Industry: Findings from the MAKE Project
Sini Roine & Anna Palokangas, LAB University of Applied Sciences

Three Dimensions of Regenerative Business
Eija Pimiä, Häme University of Applied Sciences & Susanna Reinikainen, LAB University of Applied Sciences