As national RDI funding becomes increasingly constrained, the ability of regional actors to access European funding instruments and build international partnerships becomes ever more critical. The objective of the North Savo Digital EU Funding Capability Development Model (Pohjois-Savo InnoCo) project is to strengthen the capabilities of SMEs and the supporting RDI actors in the region to identify and utilise EU funding opportunities, and to participate in international research, development and innovation (RDI) activities.

The project develops a systematic approach to identifying, analysing and utilising EU funding opportunities. A key tool is the digital EU funding radar (“EU-tutka”) developed by Kuopio Health, which enables comprehensive analysis of open and upcoming EU calls and their alignment with regional competencies and needs. By combining and structuring this analytical data, a regional RDI situational picture is formed to support the identification of development initiatives linked to EU funding opportunities. The project goes beyond producing analytical insights by actively supporting SMEs and other actors in applying this knowledge in practice, including project preparation, partnership building and participation in international RDI initiatives. Activities are implemented in close collaboration with key regional RDI stakeholders, while promoting the wider adoption of digital and data-driven working methods in regional RDI cooperation.

As a result of the project, a digitally enabled, structured and data-driven regional EU RDI situational picture and operating model will be established in North Savo. These will support regional actors in identifying and utilising EU funding opportunities and in preparing international RDI projects utilising digital solutions. At the same time, the project strengthens SMEs’ readiness to participate in international RDI projects and to integrate into European innovation networks. In the long term, the project contributes to the internationalisation of North Savo’s RDI activities, increases the utilisation rate of EU funding, and enhances SME participation in international RDI projects. This strengthens the regional innovation ecosystem, supports business renewal, and promotes sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Contact:
Kimmo Solehmainen
Development Manager
Kuopio Health osk
kimmo.solehmainen(at)kuopiohealth.fi
+358 40 848 5034