Creation and Alignment of the Eco-innovation Strategy Model to Regional Innovation Strategy: A Case from Lahti (Päijät-Häme Region), Finland

Abstract

This study focuses on the importance of eco-innovation in regional innovation strategy and policy development. It is conducted to get an in-depth understanding and learning about eco-innovation at the regional level and to draw some principles that are important in creating and aligning the eco-innovation strategy model to regional innovation strategy. The study highlights the new eco-innovation strategy model called SAMPO which was created and developed through a series of multi-stakeholder consultations which embodied the strengthening of the region's expertise—learning and knowledge-generating environment, design and innovation. These three areas of regional expertise are translated in the SAMPO model as three spearheads of innovation activities categorized as practice-based innovation, eco-design and sustainable innovation. Some principles are derived from the creation of the SAMPO model and put forward as strategic learning points in regional innovation strategy. The SAMPO model as positively acknowledged by the Päijät-Häme Regional Council, business clusters, research institutes and academic organizations may serve as a new framework that is useful in formulating and recreating eco-innovation policy in the region.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the FRESH Project for funding the research from which this paper is derived. Our appreciation also goes to a number of key personnel at the Päijät-Häme Regional Office, and Lahti Science and Business Park, for the valuable materials and information that formed the main part of this research.

Notes

1. FRESH (Forwarding Regional Environmental Sustainable Hierarchy) is a EU-funded project promoting eco-innovation in regional innovation strategy and in policy development among the participating regions from Finland, Ireland, Italy, Poland and Romania. FRESH focuses on the regional capacity to develop and adopt eco-innovation based on learning and exchange of information and good practices.