Date: October 9–10, 2024
Venue: LAB University of Applied Sciences' Lahti campus, Mukkulankatu 19, Lahti, Finland
Conference fee: Two days 450 €, one day 350 €, student (two days) 250 €
Programme: https://lab.fi/fi/node/13764
Registration: https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/Smart_Cities_in_Smart_Regions_2024_7497/en (deadline: 30 September)

The conference focuses on the critical importance of environmental, social, and economic sustainability in building a resilient future. In this context, resilience means the ability to tackle various challenges faced by regions and urban areas, whether they involve climate change, social inequalities, safety, or energy transitions. At SCSR2024, you'll hear from speakers who will present innovative solutions to help cities and regions become smarter—more sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected. We have over 70 expert presentations distributed in 12 sessions, workshops, and keynotes.

The themes of the conference are:

• Solutions for Systemic Change
  • Climate-Smart and Circular Solutions
  • Energy Transition and Sustainable Mobility
  • Digital Transformation and Safety of the Urban Environment
• Smart Health and Wellbeing Innovations
  • Active Lifestyle Supporting Wellbeing
  • Technology in Sport and Wellbeing
  • Societal Transition and Safety
• Design for Sustainable Business and Responsible Consumption
  • Business Models for a Circular Economy
  • Human-driven Innovations for Smart Cities and Regions
  • Design for Responsible Consumption

Keynotes

• Embracing the Twin Transition: Collaborative Innovation for a Sustainable Future - Bart Brink, TKI Bouw en Techniek (NL) & buildingSMART International
• Sports technology - Aki Mikkola, Professor, LUT University
• Investing in sustainability and circular economy as critical competitive factors. Case Luhta ReUse - Annamaria Väli-Klemelä, HR and Sustainability Director & Mirka Uunimäki, Circular Economy Coordinator, Luhta Sportswear Company

Workshops

Join our workshops on Climate-Smart Circular Solutions:

• Päijät-Häme Circular Economy Forerunner – organized by Päijät-Häme Regional Council
• Co-Creating Urban Greenery for Climate Resilience – organized by Forum Virium Helsinki

Workshops are open to all participants of the conference without prior registration.

Matchmaking session

Join our matchmaking session to boost research, development and innovation cooperation between universities, industry, and public actors! The session will allow conference participants to present new project ideas and meet possible partners. Ideas are pitched as brief presentations. More info 

Panel discussion

On Thursday, Oct. 10, the City of Lahti organizes a panel discussion about “Nature-positive Lahti”. Mayor of Lahti Niko Kyynäräinen will take part in the discussion. More info

Site visits 

The conference programme includes optional site visits on Thursday, Oct. 10. Registration to the site visits opens in September.

Visiting sites are:

• Regional circular economy and waste management center Salpakierto
• Lahti Health Forest
• Hartwall – one of Finland’s largest beverage manufacturers