The co-creation workshops of the Future Training programme continued on 26 February 2026, when a group of SMEs interested in future-oriented development gathered once again to strengthen their future-proof competencies, exchange experiences, and explore regenerative business and the circular economy together.
This time, the workshop took place in a truly unique setting: the Tytyri Experience Mine. The immersive underground environment created an inspiring atmosphere for reflection and future-focused thinking.
The morning began with a moment of tuning into silence and creativity, guided by Mari Vainio (Luovuuden levossa). This short pause offered participants a chance to slow down and shift their mindset before diving into the day’s themes.
The workshop then moved into the themes of regenerative tourism, responsibility, and the circular economy with a presentation by Anu Nylund (Mood of Finland). Her talk provided both inspiration and context for the day’s discussions, highlighting how companies can move beyond minimizing harm and instead aim to create positive impacts for ecosystems, communities, and future generations.
One of the central ideas explored during the workshop was the difference between traditional sustainability and regenerative thinking. While sustainability often focuses on reducing negative impacts and reaching net-zero goals, regenerative business aims to actively strengthen and revitalize the ecological and social systems that businesses depend on.
During the workshop discussions, participants also explored the Japanese Ikigai model as a practical tool for reflection and business development. Traditionally used to explore purpose and motivation, the model was applied here to business thinking. Using the Ikigai framework, participants reflected on questions such as: What unique strengths does our company have? What future needs might our customers have? How could our business contribute to renewing our industry? And how can regenerative thinking be integrated into sustainable business logic?
The conversations were lively and thought-provoking, and participants actively shared their experiences and ideas with one another.
As in previous workshops, participants were invited to give feedback. The overall response was very positive. Many felt that the theme of regenerative thinking made it easy to shift into future-oriented thinking and offered valuable perspectives for developing both their own skills and their business activities.
The open feedback comments also reflected the atmosphere of the day. In the word cloud created from participants’ responses, key themes included regenerative thinking, pausing, courage, hospitality, and “roots and reconnection.” Participants highlighted that the presentations, discussions, and exercises provided not only new perspectives but also concrete ideas for developing their own businesses.
The English translation of this article was prepared with the assistance of AI tool (ChatGPT).