Developing business ecosystems around urban nature-based solutions : Evidence from Finland

Abstract

This study addresses knowledge gaps regarding key actors, benefits, barriers and solutions for mainstreaming nature-based solutions (NBS) within urban business ecosystems in the Nordic context. By investigating two member cities of the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, considered frontrunners in sustainable urban development, the study shows frontier examples of areas with high potential for mainstreaming NBS. Empirical evidence is obtained from 21 experts engaged in interviews or focus-group discussions held in 2023. The key actors were found to be, first and foremost, the two cities, which may play multiple roles in the local business ecosystem. Seven main themes were found regarding the solutions for increasing use and reach in the mainstream use of NBS in urban environments, namely economic aspects and instruments; policy instruments; reimagining existing structures, spaces and practices; multi-actor and -sectoral and collaborative business ecosystems; new knowledge, information and real-life examples of NBS to increase awareness and mainstream use; experimentation and going beyond mainstreaming; and long-range project planning and goal setting. Finally, NBS mainstreaming either succeeds or fails according to the actions and interactions of the business ecosystem actors, and fostering business development around NBS is at the core of this success/failure. Thus, we conclude a thriving city–business interphase to be crucial for reaching this outcome.