Aiming to become the most innovative region in Europe

Sustainability solutions focus on innovations and operating models that address the sustainability crisis. Development efforts focus in particular on climate and nature-based solutions, the bioeconomy and circular economy, new energy solutions and hydrogen expertise, blue biotechnology, and related business models. Climate and nature-based solutions support Helsinki-Uusimaa’s goals of climate neutrality and becoming nature positive. This RDI priority also includes solutions to reduce emissions from transport.

The bioeconomy makes use of renewable natural resources and promotes innovative solutions. Circular economy innovation focuses on improving the recycling of products and materials. Hydrogen expertise is closely connected to clean energy production and logistics. Blue biotechnology focuses on the study of marine organisms and their potential in developing new products.

A regenerative food system encompasses regenerative farming and food production, innovations in the food system, alternative proteins and cellular agriculture, as well as related business models. A need to renew the food system has been identified in Helsinki-Uusimaa, along with strong RDI potential in food production.

The aim of a regenerative food system is to strengthen regional food security and self-sufficiency, as well as the competitiveness of the entire food chain through new innovations. Helsinki-Uusimaa aims to become an innovative and sustainable producer and distributor of food. The aim is also to turn innovations in food production into new export products.

RDI activity promoting health and wellbeing solutions focuses on preventive health solutions, mental wellbeing, health technologies, the health and pharmaceutical sectors, and digital solutions. This RDI priority is closely linked to the health and liveability of everyday environments.

Helsinki-Uusimaa has significant potential, particularly in healthcare technologies and digital services. The social and healthcare sector faces a significant need for additional workers, and digital solutions can help to reduce this need to some extent. Helsinki-Uusimaa is home to one of Europe’s most productive research and education communities in the field.

The strategic priorities of the creative industries include creative sectors and design, extended reality and immersive experiences, as well as the audiovisual and games industries. Technology is a tool for advancing societal wellbeing, but it also requires creativity. Alongside technology, social innovations that tackle societal challenges are just as important.

In Helsinki-Uusimaa, higher education institutions in the arts and creative industries, together with a broad business base, provide strong conditions for this RDI priority to reach the European forefront. Finland’s creative industries talent and jobs are concentrated in Helsinki-Uusimaa. Arts and culture should be integrated into education throughout the education path, forming a foundation for Finland’s innovation activity. Creative thinking is a civic skill that helps to develop solutions to wicked problems. Creativity plays a vital role in developing business operations and public services.

Disruptive technologies are key enablers across all sectors. Core areas include artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, semiconductor, space and energy technologies, and dual-use technology solutions. Disruptive technologies refer to technological innovations that displace established technologies in the market and can transform the dynamics of entire industries. In addition to creating disruptive technologies, expertise in applying them is essential.

Helsinki-Uusimaa is an international frontrunner in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, with particularly strong expertise in semiconductor, space and energy technologies. The region also has the potential to strengthen its position in dual-use technologies, which provide solutions for both civilian and defence applications. In EU funding, greater emphasis will be placed on security in the future.