Hidden values and new business opportunities in Boden?

During Creaternity Impact Days at Boden Business Park, Jeremias Finster, Chief Ecosystems Officer at Atacama, presented how their work with circular ecosystems can create new value in a region.

Atacama has developed a method for mapping the resources that already exist within a local business community – and how they can be used in new ways.

By collecting public data on companies and production processes, an overview of resource flows within an area is created. With the help of an algorithm, potential connections between different actors are then identified.

“We don’t just look at what exists today, but also at what could be possible tomorrow. It’s about creating systems where resources stay within the region and are used more efficiently,” says Jeremias Finster.

One example is Gällivare, where Atacama has conducted a mapping of the local business community and identified several potential circular solutions.

From months to weeks

Previously, this type of analysis has been time-consuming. But with Atacama’s digital tools, the process can now be carried out much faster.

“What used to take months can now be done in weeks. We can quickly create a picture of what a local ecosystem looks like and what opportunities exist,” says Jeremias Finster.

The work is largely based on publicly available information, making it possible to get far without companies needing to share sensitive data in the initial stages.

Interesting for Boden – and the wider region

From Boden’s perspective, the approach is of great interest, not least in relation to the ongoing societal transformation.

“It would be very interesting to carry out a similar mapping in Boden, to gain a clearer understanding of how businesses can make use of each other’s residual flows,” says Nils Lindh, Business Developer at Boden Business Park.

At the same time, he highlights an even broader perspective.

“The real potential lies in doing this together across the entire region, involving all 14 municipalities. That way, we can connect more flows and create entirely new opportunities.”

New business from existing resources

Atacama’s work is based on the concept of industrial symbiosis – where by-products from one operation become a resource for another.

This can involve anything from waste heat and gases to biomaterials and industrial by-products. In Boden, where industry, agriculture and other sectors are expanding, the company sees several possible connections.

“We see similar conditions here as in Gällivare, but also new opportunities linked to areas such as construction and material flows,” says Jeremias Finster.

One concrete example is how by-products from the wood industry can be used to develop bio-based materials, such as mushroom mycelium insulation for prefabricated houses – creating synergies with existing industries through new products from residual resources.

The key question is not only what is produced within a single municipality, but how resources can be connected across a larger geography. When residual flows in one part of the region meet needs in another, new opportunities emerge.

“For a region like Norrbotten, this could provide a significant boost to development. With a broader mapping, companies could gain ready-made business cases for how to collaborate with other actors in the region,” says Nils Lindh.