Finland harnesses innovation with unique public-private collaboration
Helsinki, Finland – April 21, 2010 – An excellent example of public-private partnerships, the first ever SHOK Summit seminar demonstrated Finland’s capability to harness national innovation through inter-industry cooperation. Organized in Helsinki, Finland on April 20, the seminar brought together over 500 high level business and technology industry influencers.
The Finnish Strategic Centres for Science, Technology and Innovation (SHOK) presented their methods for cooperation, co-creation and interaction in numerous presentations and keynotes. In two years, the close cooperation and joint projects between companies and research units, combining the benefits of public and private funding, have demonstrated their worth.
“There is no question that the SHOK model is highly succesful,” says Finnish Metals Engineering Competence Cluster CEO Mr. Harri Kulmala. “Dialogue between companies and research institutions has increased significantly. Furthermore, we have already seen the first results, which demonstrate that we are heading towards the right direction. We have moved even faster than anticipated, and I am confident that Finland will remain a creator-producer of top-notch technology.”
SHOK Summit seminar keynote speakers included Finland’s Ministry of Employment and the Economy Permanent Secretary Mr. Erkki Virtanen; Nokia Executive Vice President, Markets Mr. Anssi Vanjoki; Finnzymes CEO Mr. Pekka Mattila; and Halton Board Chairman Mr. Mika Halttunen. A recurring keynote topic was how to sustain innovation with sufficient public funding.
”Finland conquered the 1990s recession partially due to companies continuing to finance R&D and innovation,” said Metso CEO Mr. Jorma Eloranta. “This takes commitment, cooperation and foresight from all parties.”
“The SHOK programs are a uniquely ambitious attempt to revitalize innovation activity, and our progress proves that the programs have potential – for opening the international scene for Finnish knowhow and for taking on the challenges of globalization,” says Mr. Reijo Paajanen, CEO, Strategic Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation in the Field of ICT. “Our goal is to shorten the time-span from idea development and R&D to market-ready products or services, and by combining academic and applied research we have managed to provide critical mass and launch clusters in only two years, much faster than other EU countries. This gives us an edge – one on which we must capitalize now.”
The SHOK community is composed of six companies: the Finnish Metals Engineering Competence Cluster; the Strategic Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation in the Field of ICT; Built Environment Innovations; the Forestcluster; the Strategic Centre for Health and Well-being; and the Cluster for Energy and Environment.
Links to visual press material: http://www.netprofile.fi/pressphotos/shoksummit