Finland is considered to have a pioneering innovation system. Tekes, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, is the public funding provider for product development and has been particularly praised by businesses.

Of the national organisations which provide funding for innovation systems, the Academy of Finland provides funding for basic research, while Tekes provides funding for applied technical research. The Finnish National Fund for Research and Development SITRA and private venture capital investors provide funding to launch the products onto the market.

The basis for the innovation strategy for the Helsinki region is to ensure that the competitiveness of Finland in the future is based only on the highest expertise, specialisation and improving on strengths. The Helsinki region has a superior concentration of expertise and therefore forms the strategic core of Finland’s competitiveness. The area’s own innovation strategy for 2005 mobilises the outstanding potential for innovation more effectively than at present.

Tekes -  A Vital and Open-minded Supporter

Tekes is the main public funding organisation for research and development in Finland. Tekes funds industrial projects as well as projects in research organisations, and, in particular, promotes innovative, risk-intensive projects. Tekes offers partners from abroad a gateway to the key technology players in Finland. Tekes has a budget of 400 million euros, which is used to provide funding for 2,000 projects a year.

Tekes currently has 24 ongoing technology programmes with total value of 1.3 billion euros. Ongoing programmes include for example miniaturising electronics, healthcare technology, interactive IT, space technology, smart automation systems and nanotechnology.

Tekeshas had highly positive feedback from technology companies and research units in the Helsinki region for its broad-minded approach out. Foreign-owned companies that are registered in Finland may also participate in the extensive Tekes technology programmes.

Culminatum – Developer of the Helsinki region

Culminatum Ltd Oy’s aim is to develop the international competitiveness of the Helsinki Region and to make good use of the region's education, science and research resources in the business community. Culminatum is owned by the Uusimaa Regional Council, the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, and Helsinki’s universities, polytechnics, research institutes and business community.

Culminatum’s principal objective is to implement and develop the Helsinki Region Centre of Expertise Programme. The six sectors of expertise are: Adaptive materials and microsystems; Software product business; Digital media; Content production and learning services; Medical and welfare technologies; and Genetechnology and molecular biology.

Innovation strategy for the Helsinki region (pdf)

For further information
Academy of Finland 
Culminatum, Helsinki Region Centre of Expertise
Tekes, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation
Finnish National Fund for Research and Development SITRA
Finnish Industry Investment
Finnish Venture Capital Association