BEM Centre of Excellence IV
The BEM Centre of Excellence IV project implements the Innovation Ecosystem Agreement between the City of Mikkeli and the Finnish Government. The project contributes regionally in South Savo to advancing the themes of the green transition and digitalisation defined by the EU and the Finnish Government. The project coordinates the operations and development of the Blue Economy Mikkeli (BEM) Centre of Excellence.
The aim of the project is to further strengthen the profile and visibility of Blue Economy Mikkeli as a centre of water expertise, both nationally and internationally. The project strengthens the cooperation network to meet the needs of businesses, RDI activities and education in the water sector, with a particular focus on the circular economy of water and water security. The project makes use of the unique RDI environment and cooperation networks established through previous projects. The project measures focus on marketing and communications, with the aim of increasing cooperation, particularly with companies.
The project consists of four work packages. Work Packages 1–2 are led by the project manager of the main implementing partner, with support from the experts of the co-implementing partner. Work Packages 3–4 are led by the experts of the co-implementing partner in cooperation with the project manager of the main implementing partner.
The main themes of the work packages are:
WP 1. Coordination of the BEM entity, project management and administration
WP 2. Strengthening cooperation with companies and educational institutions
WP 3. Promoting international networks and cooperation
WP 4. Communications and marketing
The project supports the objectives of the water-related strategic priority of the South Savo Regional Strategy and contributes to the vision of Mikkeli as the “Capital of Clean Water”. The project coordinates and raises awareness of the activities of the Blue Economy Mikkeli Centre of Excellence and expands its cooperation network both nationally and internationally.
The Ecosystem Agreement between the City of Mikkeli and the Finnish Government identifies two areas of action: Testing, piloting and training environments for circular economy solutions in urban water management and Water and wastewater management solutions for domestic and international markets. The focus area of the Ecosystem Agreement, the circular economy of urban water, has been expanded to include water security. This project builds on the unique infrastructure, services and networks already established, seeks new partnerships for Blue Economy Mikkeli both nationally and internationally, and expands its activities into the field of water security.
The City of Mikkeli is the main implementing partner, and Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd is the co-implementing partner. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Mikkeli Regional Committee. The authority granting the EU funding is the Regional Council of South Savo.
The total funding for the main implementing partner’s project is €243,668, of which the EU funding accounts for €146,200. The total funding for the co-implementing partner’s project is €155,818, of which the EU funding accounts for €93,490.
