Project introduction

Vakka-Suomi Vitality Cluster Project

Objective: To build a sustainable cooperation model that strengthens the competitiveness of regional businesses, supports business growth, and improves the availability of skilled labour.

Why is the project important?

Structural change has shaken Vakka-Suomi. Staff reductions at Valmet Automotive and economic uncertainty have created a need for a new cooperation model. The vitality cluster initiative brings together companies, educational institutions, and public actors – with the goal of growth, competitiveness, and a skilled workforce. The vitality cluster addresses local challenges by gathering companies, educational institutions, and public sector actors around shared activities and objectives.

Companies provide the foundation for the initiative, and their business needs and innovation potential are central to everything that is done. Educational institutions offer expertise, research, and training, supporting the development of companies. Public actors create the conditions, funding instruments, and strategic guidance.

What are we doing in the project?

The goal of the Vakka-Suomi vitality cluster is to build a sustainable and needs-based cooperation model for the region that strengthens the competitiveness of companies, supports business growth, and improves the availability of skilled labour.

The project is based on broad collaboration, with key elements including the region’s companies in the three focus sectors, active interaction with stakeholders, and strong support from education and research organizations. The aim is to engage regional actors in developing a shared cluster model that supports sustainable growth and competitiveness.

The cluster acts as a neutral networker that connects different actors and ensures smooth cooperation, mentoring companies and educational institutions in developing new solutions and business models.

Key objectives?

The three-sector cluster model – energy, food, and technology – is based on the idea that setting clear goals together is a prerequisite for strengthening competitiveness and vitality.

Without shared goals, the collaboration formed in clusters easily remains isolated, and the potential of the region’s companies does not get fully utilized.

Projects are susceptible to conflicts in goals and expectations, which means that results may be established but not implemented, and the realization of benefits is delayed or incomplete. Also, without a clear Triple Helix role allocation, collaboration does not scale, overlaps arise, and long-term strengthening of competitiveness becomes more difficult.

Therefore, the aim of this cluster project is to create:

A common direction and, based on that, set priorities and what is intended to be achieved. These help allocate resources correctly.
Shared commitment: When companies, educational institutions, and public actors share the same goals, trust and long-term collaboration are established.
Measurable impact: Clear goals enable tracking of results and demonstrate how the cluster enhances the region’s competitiveness.

What does this mean in practice?

In the energy cluster, the goals guide towards a carbon-neutral and smart energy economy.
In the food cluster, they ensure the development of a responsible and innovative food chain.
In the technology cluster, they accelerate digitalization and industrial renewal.

Having goals is not just a word – it is a strategic tool that makes the cluster impactful and the region attractive for investments, talent, and new innovations that strengthen companies’ R&D capabilities, build platforms for testing new products and services, and promote cross-sector collaboration.

Benefits for companies?

Cluster activities bring significant added value to the region by connecting businesses, educational institutions, and public actors in joint development. Clear role definitions and collaboration lay the foundation for innovations, new business opportunities, and sustainable growth. Clusters act as sparring partners and motivators, accelerate the creation of projects, and ensure that the region’s expertise and resources are utilized efficiently. Cluster activities promote the emergence and growth of operations.

The core of the cluster model consists of thematic groups, which are formed based on the concrete needs of business groups. Companies can participate in one or more thematic groups, which build trust and shared goals among different actors. Clusters provide measurable added value when they bring the right actors together and focus on the identified common challenges of the sub-cluster line.

In practice, this is reflected in a faster flow of innovation, better internationalization, and more efficient utilization of investments.

The three sub-areas of the vitality cluster activities are:

Technology – robotics, welding, artificial intelligence, and new manufacturing technologies
Energy – solar power, biogas, hydrogen economy, and energy efficiency
Food sector – increasing added value, circular economy, and sustainability

Three themes, but only one common goal: A vibrant Vakka-Suomi.

Project schedule?

Schedule: 1 October 2025 – 31 August 2027

The project is implemented by Turku University of Applied Sciences and Novida in cooperation with regional companies and stakeholders.

Projected outcome of the project?

The projected outcome of the project is to establish a permanent cluster operational model that strengthens the vitality and competitiveness of Vakka-Suomi, attracts skilled professionals, and creates new business opportunities.

Through three sub-cluster lines (energy, food, technology), specialization allows for targeted measures that maximize growth in each theme, which is reflected in improved competitiveness and innovation activity of companies.

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