Central Baltic Stories

In this episode, we explore the Ce4Re project, which helps restaurants embrace circular economy principles and reduce food waste through practical tools and innovative solutions.Our guest, Altti Näsi from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), shares insights into the project’s goals, activities and cross-border collaboration. We discuss how restaurants can improve sustainability, reduce waste, and create more resource-efficient operations while maintaining profitability.Recorded in Finnish, this episode highlights the project’s key achievements, pilot activities, and lessons learned from developing circular solutions for the restaurant sector across the Central Baltic region.Learn more about the project:https://centralbaltic.eu/project/ce4re/ and https://www.matkailunkehittamiskeskus.fi/tietoa-meista/projektit/ce4re/ (in Finnish)

In this episode of the Central Baltic Stories podcast, we meet Salla Kuuluvainen from Laurea University of Applied Sciences and Johanna Liipola from Turku University of Applied Sciences, who share insights from the Baltic2Hand project.Launched to tackle the growing challenge of textile waste, Baltic2Hand focused on developing solutions that extend the life cycle of textiles and support more sustainable business models in the second-hand market. The project brought together partners and companies from Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia to explore new ways to reduce textile waste and increase the reuse of textiles.At the heart of the project was co-creation. Through research, workshops, innovation events and pilot projects, companies, students and consumers worked together to develop and test new ideas: from repair and refurbishment services to digital tools that help consumers make more sustainable choices.In this episode, recorded in Finnish, we explore the project’s activities, the pilots developed, and the lessons learned from cross-border collaboration in advancing the circular economy in the textile sector.Discover more about the Baltic2Hand project and its results:https://centralbaltic.eu/project/baltic2hand/https://baltic2hand.eu/

In the sixth episode of the Central Baltic Stories podcast, we meet Tiina Leino from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), who shares insights from the inspiring Tour4Youth project.Launched to strengthen young people’s employability and confidence, Tour4Youth focused on supporting 15–24-year-olds interested in careers in the tourism, hospitality, and restaurant sectors. The project connected youth with employers across Finland, Estonia, and Latvia — helping them take their first steps into working life.The Tour4Youth programme guided participants through three stages: Ready, Steady & Go, combining an online course, personal coaching, and matchmaking events with companies. Through these activities, young people improved their career skills, built networks, and found internships or even paid jobs.In this episode, recorded in Finnish, we explore the project’s main activities, outcomes, and the personal success stories that emerged along the way.Discover more about the Tour4Youth project and its results here: https://centralbaltic.eu/project/tour4youth/ and https://tour4youth.eu/.

In this fifth episode of the Central Baltic Stories podcast, we dive into the CreativeGPS project, launched in January 2024, which supported creative professionals in strengthening their skills to better navigate the job market.We are joined by Krista Petäjäjärvi and Vilja Byström who share insights into the project’s background, implementation and impact — from creating a cross-border skill-building programme to launching an open-access Workbook aimed at creative professionals in Finland, Latvia and Estonia. The Creative GPS Workbook is available in four languages. Want to know more about the CreativeGPS project and the download the Workbook? Visit the Project Webspace: CreativeGPS - Central Baltic.This episode is recorded in Finnish.

In the fourth episode of the Central Baltic Stories podcast, we hear from Katja Ihamäki and Liisa Nuutinen as they reflect on their inspiring journey in the Breaking Barriers project. Launched in March 2023, Breaking Barriers aimed to increase inclusion in schools across Finland, Estonia, and Latvia. The project concluded in August 2024, and now the team shares their most valuable experiences and insights. In Finland, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (project partner) collaborated closely with teachers and students from Haagan peruskoulu and Vesalan peruskoulu to explore what makes a school safe and inclusive. Together, they mapped out effective strategies and implemented best practices to support inclusion. In this episode, recorded in Finnish, we delve into the project’s activities, achievements, and the meaningful impact it had on the schools and communities involved. Discover more about the Breaking Barriers project and access its results and publications here: ⁠https://centralbaltic.eu/project/breaking-barriers/

In this insightful episode, we dive into the VINCE project with Teresia Blomberg and Sirppa Kinos from Turku University of Applied Sciences, the Lead Partner behind this innovative initiative. VINCE is transforming how integration services are delivered by creating a cutting-edge virtual platform that brings multilingual, digital support directly to migrants—offering integration services right in their pocket. Through a service design approach, migrants themselves are involved in developing the platform’s content, ensuring it meets their unique needs. This cross-border collaboration between Finland and Sweden addresses the critical challenge of under-digitalized social services, an issue that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. VINCE is not just about digitalizing existing services—it’s about fostering stronger partnerships between service providers, improving accessibility, and delivering high-quality integration tools. Tune in to learn how VINCE is reshaping the future of migrant integration with a simple, user-friendly solution that empowers migrants at the touch of a button. Read more about the VINCE project: https://centralbaltic.eu/project/vince/ This episode is recorded in Swedish.

In this episode, we are joined by Tinka Ullbro and Sofia Gylfe from the EASWork project. They share their experiences and insights from working on a Central Baltic project dedicated to enhancing anti-discrimination policies for migrant workers in Finland and Estonia. EASWork is a Central Baltic funded initiative that collaborates with various organizations in Finland and Estonia. The project's goal is to assess current anti-discrimination policies and identify areas for improvement to better support migrant workers. Discover how this small yet impactful project is making strides in creating more inclusive workplaces. Want to learn more about the EASWork project? Visit the Project Webspace: EASWork - Central Baltic. This episode is recorded in English.

Tässä jaksossa Central Baltic -ohjelman hallintovastaava Merike Niitepõld ja useiden hankkeiden parissa työskennellyt Minna Keinänen-Toivola (Johtava tutkija, Samk) jakavat kokemuksiaan ja antavat vinkkejä onnistuneen hankeidean ja hankehakemuksen laatimiseen. Lisäksi he paljastavat omia parhaita Central Baltic -tarinoitaan ja -muistojaan. In this episode, Merike Niitepõld (Head of Managing Authority, Central Baltic) and seasoned project expert Minna Keinänen-Toivola (Chief Researcher, Samk) their best tips and tricks on how to create a succesfull project idea and what to think about as a project applicant. In addition, we'll hear about their best Central Baltic memories. This episode is recorded in Finnish. Read more about the Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 at ⁠centralbaltic.eu