Sustainable Communities and Businesses

Circular Business Models for Sustainable Competitiveness 

We combine research with business principles and education, while reinforcing it with design thinking to create successful enterprises.

We streamline the path to profitable and sustainable businesses 

The Research Area of Sustainable Societies and Businesses focuses on identifying and solving challenges in profitability, business development, and innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within a sustainable perspective. By applying innovative and research-based methods, we streamline the creation of successful and profitable operations. Our strategic position along Finland's coasts gives us a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that characterize entrepreneurship in rural areas and the archipelago.

We apply Helix Innovation Models to create seamless integration between higher education, business, society and environment, and complement it with design thinking's practical methods and tools to drive innovation within the planet's ecological boundaries.

Our Activities

Integrated collaboration between higher education, business, society and environment to create innovative solutions to regional challenges.
Development of sustainable strategies that strengthen the competitiveness of regional companies in global markets.
Support for digital transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for long-term sustainability.
Promotion of sustainable tourism to contribute to vibrant coastal and rural regions.
Stimulation of innovative entrepreneurship by combining design thinking with circular business models.
Development of resource-efficient business models for a carbon-neutral Finland.

Examples from Our Projects

CNE 2.0 - Carbon Neutral Experience 2.0

CNE 2.0 promotes and highlights the ongoing journey towards carbon neutrality within the tourism sector in Uusimaa.

BSR Go-Abroad

Go-Abroad develops a plan for micro and small enterprises to help them expand their business offerings and enter new markets around the Baltic Sea region.

Light in the Dark - Increasing resilience in rural and coastal tourism in the northern Baltic Sea Region by developing off-seasons experiences

Light in the Dark helps small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism industry create nature-based initiatives during the off-season to attract tourists to rural and coastal areas in the northern Baltic Sea region throughout the year.

 Drivhuset

In a world of constant change, Drivhuset is your partner for entrepreneurship and innovation. Drivhuset transforms individuals into tomorrow's leaders and problem solvers.

Novia University of Applied Sciences has been a member of the Swedish Drivhuset since 2018 – an organization active in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Drivhuset's main purpose is to educate entrepreneurial pioneers who drive sustainable solutions for a better future.

At Novia's Department of Business Administration, Drivhuset's proven methods and tools are central to our work with entrepreneurship and innovation. We actively apply them in various contexts - from structured workshops to dynamic hackathons - to stimulate idea generation and drive projects forward.

We combine research-based methods with practical tools, educating and inspiring individuals to:

Think outside the box and explore limitless possibilities
Develop the ability to solve complex problems
Adapt quickly to new situations
Create innovative solutions that can change society

We offer:

Free, tailored coaching sessions: Personal guidance to develop your idea or start your business.
Inspiring events, courses, and training: Engaging sessions that show the way from idea to reality.
LOOPA & TOOKIG method training: Unique, research-based tools for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Through Drivhuset, you don't just become an entrepreneur – you become an agent of change. We cultivate a generation of innovators and community builders ready to create a more sustainable and inclusive world, whether they start their own business or become employees.
Are you ready to shape the future? Contact us at drivhuset@novia.fi and take the first step towards becoming the change you want to see in the world.

FramtidsHUB

FramtidsHUB is an innovative competence center offering tailored educational opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs. Through a combination of self-study and structured courses, FramtidsHUB provides you with the tools to meet future challenges within three strategic key areas:

Digital Tools for Increased Competitiveness: Explore the possibilities of digitalization and learn to use modern technology to streamline and improve your business. Reach new heights by harnessing the potential of digitalization.

Green transition for Sustainable Growth: Navigate the green transition with confidence. Access materials and courses that teach you sustainable methods and strategies to make your business more environmentally friendly and future-proof.

Leadership and Change Management: Develop the crucial ability to lead and manage change. Gain insights that help you adapt to a changing business environment and position your company for long-term success.

FramtidsHUB's materials are developed through innovative projects aimed at supporting companies and entrepreneurs who are looking toward the future. Visit FutureHUB's website to access the comprehensive resource bank of guides, articles, and tools for sustainable business development.

Academy for Circular Econonmy

The Academy for Circular Economy is a collaboration between Haaga-Helia, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and Novia University of Applied Sciences. The knowledge center acts as a catalyst for the green transition by supporting organizations in developing circular business models. Circular economy represents an innovative economic approach that creates prosperity within the planet's ecological boundaries. By combining efficient resource use with digital solutions, we work toward a fundamental transformation of society's structures and operational models. Our goal is to support sustainable development that benefits both business and society.