“It is obvious that talented people will seek the company of other talented people. All disciplines are found in the Helsinki region, which is a tremendous advantage. Businesses are not only looking for a high standard of research, they pursue quantity and versatility as well." - Research professor Heikki Seppä, VTT’s Information Technology unit.

In Finland, business and higher education already have a long-standing tradition of cooperation. Universities, institutes of higher education and businesses in the Helsinki region pursue especially close cooperation in research projects involving the entire research team.

The funding given by Tekes to public research projects has further increased cooperation between research and business. The funding incentive works both ways: For example, in 2003 three quarters of all Tekes-funded business projects benefited from research commissioned from universities, institutes of higher education or research institutes.

Businesses are also willing and able to network with one another. Finland has the highest percentage in Europe of innovative businesses involved in cooperation.

The Vantaa Hitech Program

The Vantaa Hitech Program is one example of close, mutually beneficial cooperation between companies, research and training institutes and several other parties. The Vantaa Hitech Program is being implemented in cooperation with Technopolis Plc and the City of Vantaa. The programme aims to develop competence in several high tech sectors.

Technopolis

The Technopolis Group, which is specialised in business environments for high tech companies, is one key player that facilitates networking in the Helsinki area.

Finnisch Science Park Association

Finnish Science Park Association TEKEL is a nationwide cooperation network connecting 22 science parks and technology centres in Finland’s university cities. This TEKEL science parks help hi-tech enterprises start up in business, grow and internationalise.

Members of the TEKEL Group accommodate 1 600 enterprises and other organisations – bringing together 32 000 experts working on different technology fields such as ICT, healthcare and medical technology, biotechnology, environmental and food technology, materials research and digital media.

For further information
Finnish Science Park Association TEKEL
Technopolis Group
Vantaa Hitech Program