Helsinki-Uusimaa focusing on EU-level Research and Innovation
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Region is known for its activities in international research and innovation. The Region aims to strengthen its top expertise and the EU-level investments given for research, development and innovation, RDI. There is an interest to become a Regional Innovation Valley, as well.
Objective to increase Helsinki-Uusimaa’s RDI expenditure to 5 per cent of regional GDP
To secure the Finnish metropolitan region’s position as a key driver for growth and a leader in RDI activities in Europe, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council has launched a strategic concepting of a roadmap towards an intensified and innovation-based international collaboration and access to EU funding to support local RDI actors.
The goal is to identify the most effective methods to increase the share of RDI investments to a minimum of 5% of the regional gross domestic product and to support local actors in their search for international collaboration and EU funding.
–The Regional Council wants to find the best ways to strongly advance RDI activities and to increase these activities at the EU level, Mr Juha Eskelinen, Interim Regional Mayor, states.
–We are looking for more effective ways to support and strengthen the role of our region as a global forerunner.
To create a strategic roadmap towards an increase in the region’s investment in RDI, the consulting office Spinverse, specialised in EU funding and RDI ecosystem development, has been chosen. MDI will provide expertise in regional development as a subcontractor.
–EU funding and access to ecosystems open a variety of possibilities for companies and organisations of all sizes, says Veera Mustonen, Director and Team Leader of the Smart Cities and Mobility team at Spinverse.
Circular economy spearheading Helsinki-Uusimaa Innovation Valley
The region Helsinki-Uusimaa wishes to be able to significantly contribute to a Regional Innovation Valley. The innovation valleys launched by the European Commission are strengthening the continental innovational ecosystems and are using innovation potential to solve sociological problems.
Our region has also expressed its wish to be a Regional Innovation Valley. Such valleys are aiming to narrow down the innovation gap between different EU countries and recognise any regional potential of deep-tech innovation.
–In due time, we will get together with our shareholders to discuss what concrete results we can get from an innovation valley, Ms Venla Virkamäki, Senior Adviser for EU Affairs at the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council, says.
To strengthen cooperation in European innovation ecosystems in connection with circular economy, our Council has joined with a small input in one Horizon Europe project application. The Council contributes only to the sharing of competence and creating networks – we will also invite shareholders to join our activities.
For more information, please contact:
Venla Virkamäki
Senior Adviser, EU Affairs
venla.virkamaki@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Development of R&I and international marketing, Strategy for smart specialisation, EU cooperation
Find out more:
HelsinkiSmart highlights the smart expertise in Helsinki-Uusimaa
The website Helsinkismart.fi showcases the most innovative and interesting projects, companies and ideas in Helsinki-Uusimaa. We call the international community to join us and to create smart innovations together!
Smart specialisation strategy for Helsinki-Uusimaa Region
Sustainable development goals, ambitious climate targets and a sustainable growth are the basis for our overall research and innovation activities in the region.
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