Developing Collaborative Consumption in South Savo

The role of the collaborative consumption, or sharing economy, within the framework of the circular economy is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the future. This is due to its ability to enhance resource efficiency, thereby mitigating the necessity for new product manufacturing. The sharing economy serves as a catalyst for sustainable consumption, climate change mitigation, community building, and inequality reduction. The idea that goods do not necessarily have to be owned, but can instead be rented, borrowed, shared, or utilized as services, lies at the core of this paradigm.

The project aims to raise awareness of the sharing economy and explore strategies to promote it within the South Savo region. The strength of the sharing economy, as an integral part of the circular economy, lies in its capacity for sustainable resource utilization, minimizing environmental footprints, and fostering opportunities for sustainable consumption. The project will comprehensively survey diverse opportunities within the sharing economy, conducting studies and research to inform future actions.

In pursuit of these initiatives, the project will actively seek partnerships and establish collaborative networks. These endeavours aim to facilitate concrete experiments for the future, considering the involvement of residents, vacationers, and tourists. The implementation plan is structured into five distinct work packages, each addressing different facets of the sharing economy, such as daily activities, mobility and infrastructure, sharing economy platforms, and foresight. Key to the success of the project is the collaboration and networking with various stakeholders, setting the stage for practical experiments and demonstrations to champion the cause of the sharing economy in South Savo.