The Helsinki Region has been especially commended for its creativity. Helsinki has become the most creative region in Europe due to investment in research and development, patents and the number of people employed in the ICT field in both the private and the public sector, among other things.

"When it comes to competitiveness, this Northern metropolitan area ranks the highest in Europe in terms of creativity, knowledge economy, sectoral productivity performance and economic performance." - European Competitiveness Index 2004, Robert Huggins Associates.

Fascinatingly Creative Finland

"Finland appears to be particularly well-positioned to compete in the ‘Creative Age’ with a high level of overall creative competitiveness and rapid growth in its creative capabilities. Finland is particularly advantaged in creativity with high scores in both the ECI (The Euro-Creativity Index) and the Trend Index, which has tracked national performance in key dimensions of creativity since 1995. Finland also tops the Scientific Talent Index." - Europe in the Creative Age by Richard Florida and Irene Tinagli

The Creative Class makes up nearly 30 per cent of the workforce in only three European countries — with Finland being one of them (28.6 %). According to Richard Florida, the cluster of Northern European nations appears to have distinctive assets with which to compete. These countries have considerable technological capabilities, have invested and continue to invest in developing creative talent, and also appear to have the values and attitudes that are associated with the ability to attract creative talent from the outside.

Innovation System
Case Story: Tram Ticket to Cell Phone
Ideopolis 2005 Magazine (pdf, 39 pages): Design and Helsinki Region

For further information
Europe in the Creative Age by Richard Florida and IreneTinagli
Enchanting Finland
Uusimaa Regional Council
Invest in Finland
Statistics Finland, Finland in figures