Innovation Strategy 2026–2029 – Smart Specialisation
Smart specialisation (S3, S4, RIS) aims at the diversification of competence and industrial renewal by focusing on place-based strengths. The strategy is prepared in cooperation with stakeholders and forms a process in which new business opportunities can be identified and developed. Smart specialisation is an enabling condition for the national operating programme for regional and structural funds. In Finland smart specialisation strategy work is coordinated by 18 regions (NUTS3 regions).
We are – and aspire to remain – a region of expertise. In South Karelia, we continuously seek to strengthen the share of research, development and innovation (RDI) activities within the regional economy and to provide an attractive environment for education, research, skilled professionals, and RDI-intensive companies of all sizes. Increasingly, the concept of RDI+E (Research, Development, Innovation, Education and Expertise) is used, emphasising that these elements belong together. Education and skills are key production factors within the innovation system. It is essential to recognise, acknowledge and resource this connection at the interface of education and innovation policy. For simplicity, in South Karelia’s innovation strategy we refer to RDI activities.
We identify RDI as a decisive factor in renewing business and promoting vitality. The role of a research university in the region where it operates is indisputable. Developing the regional innovation system is inherently collaborative – both within the region and with other national and international actors. To support this, we utilise various national and EU instruments to achieve our objectives and actively contribute to networks involved in planning and implementing innovation policy. The innovation strategy is not a prerequisite for innovation activity in the region, but an enabling condition. Innovation aimed at international competitiveness is rarely dependent on regional support, but it can benefit from it, and through broader vitality cooperation, it generates regional advantages that would otherwise not be realised.
The implementation of EU regional and structural policy requires regions to adopt smart specialisation – a plan for directing RDI investments based on regional strengths and opportunities. In South Karelia, we call this an innovation strategy, which includes:
- an overview of the region’s innovation activity,
- measures to improve the regional research and innovation system,
- actions to renew the regional business structure,
- cooperation in planning and implementing the strategy, and
- monitoring and evaluation tools to measure progress towards objectives.
Promoting regional vitality through new innovations and a more diversified business structure is a broader goal, supported by the strategic choices of the South Karelia Regional Strategic Programme 2026–2029. The innovation strategy focuses on actions aimed at increasing private RDI activity, driving industrial renewal and competitiveness, and integrating regional actors into national and international value networks within their sectors. The innovation strategy forms an independent strategic choice that complements the content of the regional programme, particularly in relation to RDI activities.
We innovate solutions for sustainable and secure growth
During the 2026–2029 strategy period, we will focus on RDI activities that renew South Karelia by building on our strengths: clean energy solutions and industrial bio- and circular economy. A new and timely priority is comprehensive security, where expertise and solutions are in growing demand. Emerging market opportunities are opening up, offering South Karelian companies the chance to seize them.
For more information, please contact:
Manager, Regional Development, Laura Peuhkuri, tel. +358 40 631 5970, [email protected]