Thank you for your participation in the Cluster Summit Finland event in Kuopio! It was an honor to have many visitors around Finland and Europe and gather to discuss about the future of clusters in Finland.
Here you can download the materials and photos from the event.
Jump on board for the Cluster Summit Finland 2025 on 28 October 2025! Cluster representatives will be joined by key public authorities, academia, and companies to explore the next steps in creating a national cluster strategy for a robust future RDI landscape. The Cluster Summit Finland 2025 is organized by Savonia UAS, BoostECO/SuperEcosystem, Kuopio Water Cluster, Kuopio Health, Agri-Food Cluster North Savo, Bio and Circular Cluster North Savo, Energy Cluster North Savo, and KesTech Cluster Savo in collaboration with Viexpo/Nordic Hub and North Savo Regional Council.
We take it to the next level on 29-30 October with the Cluster Collaboration Laboratory (C2Lab), a hands-on event from the EU’s European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP)! The main themes are Water resilience and Comprehensive security, but all topics and project ideas are welcome. From Finland, the main organizers are Kuopio Water Cluster and Comprehensive Security Cluster North Savo, supported by Savonia UAS and North Savo Regional Council.
Welcome to Kuopio, Finland for this unique set of events to strengthen clusters, shape policy, and explore project collaboration.
Both the Cluster Summit Finland 2025 and C2Lab events are free of charge and are held in English.
More information about Cluster Summit Finland 2025 and C2Lab and travel arrangements can be found here: https://www.clustercollaboration.eu/content/cluster-summit-finland-2025-cluster-collaboration-lab-c2lab-kuopio-finland
Register by Wednesday 22.10.2025 here: https://www.b2match.com/e/cluster-collaboration-lab-c2lab-kuopio
CLUSTER SUMMIT FINLAND 2025
When: Tuesday 28.10.2025 8:00-17:30 (Lake Cruise and Networking Dinner 18:30-21:00)
Where: Music Centre (Room: Kamarimusiikkisali), Kuopionlahdenkatu 23, 70100 KUOPIO, FINLAND
Preliminary agenda:
8:00-8:30 Registration and Networking Coffee
8:30-8:40 Welcome to the Cluster Summit Finland 2025 – Heikki Sirviö, Regional Development Manager, North Savo Regional Council
8:40-8:55 The Role of Clusters in The Regional Strategy – Tytti Määttä, Regional Mayor, North Savo Regional Council
8:55-9:10 Clusters as Drivers of Productivity, Innovation, and Sustainability
9:10-9:25 Situating clusters in the current EU mandate (competitiveness compass, clean industrial deal, single market & simplification and next MFF) – An Baeyens, Policy Officer, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROWTH)
9:25-9:40 How can Finland Achieve a National Cluster Policy? – Kåre Björkstrand, CEO, Viexpo
9:40-10:10 The Case of Nokia: Tangible Results of How Clusters Support Business Growth, Evidence from Practice and Research – Jarkko Pellikka, Director of Industrial Collaboration, Nokia
10:10-10:25 Break
10:25-10:40 The State of Clusters and the Industry – Regional Clusters’ Introductions: SuperEcosystem, Kuopio Water Cluster, Kuopio Health, Agri-Food Cluster North Savo, Bio and Circular Cluster North Savo, Energy Cluster North Savo, KesTech Cluster Savo
10:40-12:45 Workshop: How Can Clusters Impact National and Regional RDI? – Jade Hirvonen and Bailey Lähdesmäki, RDI Specialists, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
12:45-14:00 Networking Lunch (self-paid)
14:00-14:15 The Effectiveness and Benefits of the Cluster Regionally and Nationally: Maritime Cluster & Maritime Network Hub Finland – Anne E. Suominen, Senior Planning Officer, Turku School of Economics at the University of Turku, Pori Unit
14:15-15:15 Panel discussions (Including workshop wrap-up) – Moderated by Jade Hirvonen and Bailey Lähdesmäki, RDI Specialists, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Theme 1: Cluster Policy Good Practices from the EU
Theme 2: Ideas to Roadmaps to Action: Next Steps for Finland
15:15-15:20 Closing words from the hosts
15:30-17:30 Cluster and laboratory tours with networking (transportation provided to Savilahti and back to the centre)
Theme 1: AI, Robotics, XR/AR/VR + Energy + 3D Printing + Water Lab
Theme 2: Bio and Circular Lab + UEF HUMEA Lab + Agri-Food
18:30-21:00 Lake Cruise and Networking Dinner (self-paid, 39€) in the centre of Kuopio (Kuopion Roll Risteilyt, near Minna Canthin katu 2)
The Cluster Summit Finland 2025 is made possible by the following entities:
Savonia University of Applied Sciences is an international, work-oriented university that educates, researches, develops and innovates. Savonia is one of Finland’s multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences. Savonia produces practical solutions and increases the competitiveness of society in the spirit of sustainable growth. Savonia collaborates with business and industry by researching current themes and developing new expertise in six research areas.
BoostECO is a project supporting regional SMEs and ecosystems to successfully grow and internationalize. BoostECO is coordinated by Savonia UAS and co-funded by North Savo Regional Council though ERDF funding.
SuperEcosystem – Cross-pollinating RDI & Business. We are the regional ECCP-certified metacluster operating as the umbrella organization connecting and supporting our regional ecosystems and clusters. Our aim is to provide RDI collaboration opportunities between ecosystem stakeholders – regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Kuopio Water Cluster (KWC) is a network of universities, research institutions, and companies dedicated to advancing clean water solutions. The cluster focuses on research, development, testing, and commercialization of water technologies, offering state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. By connecting innovators, businesses, and academia, KWC supports sustainable water management and strengthens Finland’s role as a global leader in water technology.
Kuopio Health is an international innovation ecosystem that brings together companies, researchers, investors, and experts to turn health and wellbeing innovations into commercial solutions. The network provides strong expertise in research, education, and business development, fostering collaboration across sectors. By connecting global and local partners, Kuopio Health accelerates the growth of health technologies and strengthens Finland’s position as a leader in health innovation.
Agri-Food Cluster North Savo – Building a sustainable food system.
Our primary goal is to strengthen the regional food ecosystem by driving innovation, increasing product refinement, and enhancing industry visibility and recognition. We connect businesses, research institutions, educational and development organizations, municipalities, and associations, building strong collaboration networks at local, national, and international levels. Additionally, we actively support the growth of our network members by facilitating new projects, sharing knowledge and expertise, and creating opportunities for development initiatives.
Bio and Circular Cluster North Savo supports the growth of companies in the sector by bringing together experts and services for the development of technology, products, services, and business operations. We promote sustainable development by matching material needs and flows, developing high-value products, and researching alternative biomaterials. Savonia’s Bio and Circular Laboratory accelerates companies’ research and development activities and promotes the utilization of industrial side streams, for example as raw materials for recycled fertilizers and soil improvers, as well as conducting biogas research and elemental analysis.
Energy Cluster North Savo is a key player in strengthening the energy ecosystem in North and Central Savo as well as Eastern Finland. The cluster unites companies, research and educational institutions, and public actors to promote innovation, sustainable growth, and collaboration in the energy sector. Acting as a regional and international networking platform, the energy cluster supports RDI activities, education, clean transition projects and their social acceptance, and improves access to financing, enhancing the attractiveness, competitiveness, and resilience of the entire Eastern Finland region.
KesTech Cluster Savo is a technology cluster located in the Ylä-Savo region, supporting industrial companies through foresight work, educational pathways and network collaboration. Its core partners include Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Ylä-Savo Vocational College, the University of Eastern Finland, and Iisalmi Industrial Village Ltd. KesTech Cluster Savo promotes the green transition, responsibility, and sustainable growth, especially in the fields of mechanical technology and engineering.
Viexpo is a Finnish export promotion organization helping companies grow internationally through expert advice, networking, and tailored services. It supports SMEs in finding global partners, entering new markets, and building international competitiveness, driving sustainable growth and global success for Finnish businesses.
Nordic Hub, powered by Viexpo, is a dynamic internationalization platform that connects Nordic expertise, networks, and opportunities. It offers companies a gateway to global markets and collaborations, strengthening the Nordic region’s position as a leader in innovation and sustainable business.
The North Savo Regional Council fosters regional vitality through expertise, influencing activities and partnerships, representing and working alongside its 19 member municipalities.