Project

Revance - Strengthening the RDI competence network

Project sponsors

Project type
Development project
Focus area
Innovative Learning
Implementation time
1.10.2021 - 31.8.2023
Project unit
School of Business
Financing program
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Project description

In the Revance - strengthening the RDI competence network -project, the RDI competece network was assembled and the operating model was developed. The project brought togerther a network of know-how and as a result of the co-development was a more timely and targeted development servises for micro and SMEs. Research, development and innovation (RDI) services are more available also outside of large cities regardless of the size and location of the company. In the project companies developed their RDI activities based on co-development, RDI and future capabilities were supported, products and services were co-developed, companies did student cooperation, and company-led local and remote trial clinics were organized. At the same time, peer learning and networking between of entrepreneurs was made possible. The project was implemented in the operating areas of the regional development companies. The project worked as a pair of the Toleranssi project (application number 107217).

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF; Regional Council of Central Finland), project administrator Jamk and with participating organisations: Regional Development Company Witas Ltd, Regional Development Company Karstulanseutu Ltd, Regional Development Company Keulink Ltd and, Kerttu Saalasti Institute of the University of Oulu, Microentrepreneurship Centre MicroENTRE®.

Contact person:

Project manager Johanna Teräväinen
[email protected]
050 325 3039

Project results

The project established an RDI competence network to ensure equal and location-independent access to RDI services also in the counties for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The implementers have developed and tested together different operating models that are easy to implement for other actors in the area. In the short term, the project succeeded in condensing, agile and enhancing the communication and operations of the co-implementers and the RDI competence network, which meant that more companies, including those that were outside RDI services, received timely RDI services and started RDI development. The service capacity and competence of the implementers and the RDI network have increased.

Companies have received futures information to support the development of their own business and an understanding of changes in the operating environment. A total of 15 different events were organised, and a total of 66 companies participated in them. The project's measures brought together companies that created partnerships, subcontracting, joint innovations such as Future Factory assignments and new service concepts.

Numerical objectives and outcome of the project:
Companies involved in the project led by research and development institutions: outturn 73 companies. Target was 45 companies. Enterprises setting up R&D&I or R&D&I cooperation with universities, higher education institutions or research institutes: outturn 10 enterprises. Target was 15 companies. New innovation platforms: actual 1 pc. Target 1 pcs. Products or services developed and piloted in innovation platforms: actual 22 pcs. Target 10 pcs.

Project continuity:

At the end of the project, the activities will develop further in the permanent regional RDI network for Central Finland, which is coordinate by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Central Finland (ELY Centres). The instant messaging channel established in the project will continue its permanent operations as part of the wider instant messaging channel of the RDI network in Central Finland. As part of a larger regional RDI network, the project's impacts will be greater in the long term.

Description updated 22.8.2023