Defense innovations bring growth and jobs to Finland – Define expands nationwide

Sitra is accelerating innovations in the defence and security sector by supporting the new nationwide Define network. The cooperation, which is expanding to six cities, will bring growth, jobs and new opportunities to the whole of Finland. The Finnish defence and security cooperation network Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE), which has gained extensive international publicity through NATO cooperation, is expanding nationwide.

Define is a defense industry network and operating model developed by the City of Riihimäki. With funding from Sitra, the network will expand to five new cities and two universities of applied sciences, bringing together top experts and companies in the field. The expansion of the network opens doors to new investments, exports and jobs in the rapidly growing defense and security sector.

Each region brings its own strengths to the network, such as artificial intelligence solutions, cybersecurity or border security innovations, and together they reinforce each other's impact. For example, the Joensuu region has a drone testing area where new drone solutions developed in Espoo can be tested in practice.

“The expansion of the operating model is a significant step for Finland to strengthen the emergence of innovations in the defense and security sector and create new business, exports, investments and jobs from them – and above all, economic growth for the entire country,” says Sitra's leading expert Laura Halenius.

The city of Riihimäki is the main implementer of the network's nationalization. Riihimäki also coordinates the network's international activities, such as cooperation with NATO.

“Our goal is to build Define into an internationally significant defense innovation ecosystem that brings together top experts in the field in Finland and around the world,” comments Jouni Eho, Mayor of Riihimäki.

Define's actors are responsible for funding the projects. Sitra is supporting the expansion of the model nationwide with its funding.

The work is part of Sitra's Growth from Critical Technologies project, which aims to strengthen the technology sector's foresight and innovation capabilities and create the conditions for economic growth. The project also examines the growth potential of the defense industry and the development of innovation activities in the sector.

DEFINE ecosystem players and their strengths

• Riihimäki will serve as the main hub for the project, focusing on cooperation with the defense forces. As a technological leader, Riihimäki will invest in artificial intelligence and autonomous solutions.
• Häme University of Applied Sciences invests in the development of local artificial intelligence solutions and training for the needs of the defense sector.
• Espoo brings in deep technological innovations that combine top-level expertise from research and the business world.
• Forssa focuses on ESG impact and expertise, which ensures a sustainable development perspective.
• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is investing in autonomous solutions and physical artificial intelligence in the defense sector, which opens doors to smart transportation and logistics solutions.
• Hämeenlinna focuses on security of supply and resilience, which is critical in managing exceptional situations.
• Joensuu focuses on border security solutions, which are increasingly important in a changing geopolitical environment.
• Oulu strengthens the role of radio technology and 6G development, which supports Finland's position as a pioneer in wireless communications.

Sitra press release on the subject (sitra.fi).