International cooperation in innovation is a strategic priority to tackle global challenges more effectively and create new business opportunities in emerging markets. Cooperation increases access to new knowledge, enables the transfer of know-how, and fast-tracks the application of innovative solutions.
Interreg programmes such as the Northern Periphery and Arctic, Baltic Sea Region and Interreg NORD, and ENI CBC programmes such as Karelia and Kolarctic fund hundreds of cooperation projects. This year they join forces in Oulu to illustrate how cooperation in innovation is successfully contributing to a vibrant business environment.
Because Oulu is a region all these programmes have in common and that attracts much attention all over Europe for its technological progress and history of recovery since the Nokia crisis.
Through 15 EU funded projects, the INNOVATION ACROSS BORDERS exhibition will illustrate with concrete examples how working with partners in neighbouring regions benefits the research and business environment in each region, as well as it contributes to creating more sustainable communities.
The projects range from establishing an ”Arctic 5G test node” in Sweden and Finland for companies and researchers to experiment with new products and services, to supporting companies converting innovative energy solutions into commercial products in the Northern Periphery of Europe. From increasing access to underground laboratories and research in the Baltic Sea region, to converting concrete structures into new materials for road construction in Russia and Finland.
The exhibition will open on 21st September, the official European Cooperation Day, with a message from Ms Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister of European Affairs of Finland and a speech from Mr Juha Ala-Mursula, Director of BusinessOulu. Marko Ruokangas, Programme Director of Karelia ENI CBC Programme, will be the master of ceremonies. The opening ceremony is on invitation only.
If you are in Oulu, come to our exhibition, and discover how cooperation between key innovation actors in Oulu, Northern Europe, and Russia makes a difference for the future of this region.
It will be possible to visit the exhibition from Monday 21st until Friday 25th September 2020 during regular opening hours at Business Oulu, in Hallituskatu 36 A 90100 Oulu.
A programme of events taking place during the week will be uploaded on this website.
Please note the exhibition and events will mostly be in Finnish.
Note: This event is planned to take place physically, in respect of the measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, as indicated by the Finnish Government and local health authorities. Any changes to the event and programme will be communicated on this website.
