Sustainable development goals, ambitious climate targets and a sustainable grow thare the basis for our overall research and innovation activities in the region. These activities naturally call for resources, and therefore, resource wisdom is highlighted in our smart specialization strategy for Helsinki-Uusimaa.
To us, resource wisdom means using our innovation, economic, environmental and social resources in a deliberate way to create sustainable growth in the best possible way. In our prudent and proactive use of these resources we are consequently furthering well-being and sustainable development.
Smart City + Smart Countryside = Smart Region
Smart Specialisation is an innovation policy, enabling our region to recognize its own strengths and to emphasize them in efforts and investments. The umbrella theme for our activities is “Resource-wise Helsinki-Uusimaa”. In this way, we can fruitfully bring together our actors from both the cities and the countryside for impactful activities in research and innovation.
Smart specialisation is an increasingly influential concept and an essential part of European regional and structural policy. Funding is allocated to the spearheads of development activities, which are found in the smart specialisation strategy for our region.
With this innovation strategy, our region will keep its position as Europe’s leading innovation area, while also aiming to be among the best resource-wise regions.
Helsinki Smart Region promotes smart activities
The Helsinki Smart Region showcases the most innovative and interesting projects, companies and ideas in Helsinki-Uusimaa. It brings together various stakeholders such as business, cities, public sector, research, education centres, start-ups and the citizen. We call the international community to join us and to create smart innovations together.
Our aim is to increase the effects of the innovative potential found in the region and to create international partnerships and establish different forms of EU cooperation. The website is used to link new partners from all over Europe.
Find out more
Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme sets out our region’s vision for 2030 and outlines the development priorities, objectives and measures for 2022–2025. The vision is “Well Ahead”, and the Programme includes the key development guidelines and strategies from the global level to the municipal level.
For more information, please contact:
Venla Virkamäki
Innovation Manager
venla.virkamaki@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Development of R&I and international marketing, Strategy for smart specialisation, EU cooperation. Deputy for Director of Regional Development Eero Venäläinen.
Ida Honkanen
International Adviser
ida.honkanen@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Helsinki Smart Region, implementation of strategy for smart specialisation, international visits
Current
Blog
30.4.2025
Tariffs and Innovation: How Should We Respond to Rising Protectionism?
Lately, every time I scroll through the headlines, it feels like the world is becoming noisier, tenser, and harder to navigate. Under President Trump's second term, the return of aggressive tariff strategies has created an even less predictable environment for international collaboration. Senior Adviser Christine Chang explores how regions like Helsinki-Uusimaa can respond strategically to rising protectionism to strengthen our global competitiveness.
News
22.4.2025
Helsinki-Uusimaa stresses the importance of innovation in EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food
In February, the European Commission published its Vision for Agriculture and Food. The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council wants to actively participate in the discussion on the guiding principles of the EU's future agricultural and food policy. In cooperation with the Helsinki EU Office and stakeholders, the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council has prepared a position paper that brings together our Region’s views on the Commission's vision.
This page was last updated: 14.1.2025