Innovations Renewing Varsinais-Suomi
Varsinais-Suomi is a region of bold solutions and new thinking. Research, development, and innovation transform ideas into action and accelerate sustainable growth. The region invests in data-driven leadership, collaboration, and renewal capacity—themes emphasized by the Varsinais-Suomi Strategy 2040+.
In Varsinais-Suomi, research and development expenditure grew by a record 31 percent in 2024 to over 700 million euros. The region’s shared goal is to achieve RDI investments of one billion euros and a 4 percent share of gross domestic product by 2030.
This goal is advanced by the RDI Roadmap, which brings together the region’s business sector, higher education institutions, Business Turku, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Regional Council of Varsinais-Suomi. The roadmap guides efforts toward sustainable investments, new technologies, and innovations, particularly in sectors where Varsinais-Suomi holds a strong strategic position, such as the maritime cluster, bioeconomy, pharmaceutical and health technology, food systems, and logistics.
Collaboration makes Varsinais-Suomi a dynamic research and innovation region where ideas become solutions and research generates new business.
Networks Generate Innovations
The strength of Varsinais-Suomi lies in its ability to unite stakeholders toward common goals. Research institutions, higher education institutions, companies, and public organizations form an extensive innovation ecosystem where new products, services, and operating models are developed.
The region’s development companies—Business Turku, Yrityssalo, Ukipolis, and Loimaa Region Development Services—support business growth and investments throughout the region. In the Turunmaa area, vitality work and business advisory services are part of the municipalities of Pargas and Kimitoön’s own vitality services, which work closely with regional networks and Leader organizations.
The Chamber of Commerce strengthens business networks and internationalization, while the Regional Council of Varsinais-Suomi coordinates regional RDI collaboration, funding, and strategic direction. The foundation of the region’s RDI success is a shared vision—growth and renewal in a sustainable manner.
Data-Driven Leadership and Impact Monitoring
In Varsinais-Suomi, development is based on up-to-date information and impact monitoring. The Lounaistieto service compiles data on the region’s research, innovation, and business activities and enables monitoring of the progress of the RDI Roadmap and smart specialization. Data-driven leadership, open collaboration, and foresight ensure that Varsinais-Suomi continues to renew itself and grow as a vibrant region in the future.
