Objectives

 In the current programming period, special attention is paid to the growth of enterprises, networking, cooperation between regions and internationalisation. The Centre of Expertise Programme forms part of the national innovation strategy and plays a distinct role as a supporter and driver of joint projects between the worlds of business and research.

Networking innovation activity

The Centre of Expertise Programme’s objective is to create new innovations, products, services, enterprises and jobs based on top expertise. It supports the specialisation of regions and division of duties between them in order to create internationally competitive centres of expertise. The third key task of the Centre of Expertise Programme is to enhance the attractiveness of regional innovation environments, in order to draw international companies, investments and top experts to Finland.

In pursuit of these goals, the Centre of Expertise Programme networks innovation actors regionally, nationally and internationally, and promotes the exploitation of competence. Other national innovation actors in the regions include the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY-centres), Strategic Centres of Expertise (SHOK) and TEKES programmes, which provide funding for research, development and innovation activities.

The Centre of Expertise Programme is expected to

  • generate new innovations, products, services, businesses and jobs based on top-level expertise
  • support specialisation and division of tasks between regions to form internationally competitive centres of expertise
  • increase the capacity of regional innovation environments to attract internationally active businesses, investment and top professionals

Vision

The Centre of Expertise Programme’s vision is that in 2013 Finland will be internationally renowned for its attractive innovation environments and excellence. Centres of expertise are interesting locations for internationally active businesses, research institutes and top-level experts. Innovation-led growth created by the centres will be revealed in successful business activity and job creation in the regions.