FAIR strengthens Espoo’s innovation ecosystem with AI expertise
This article series presents cases of innovations built here in Espoo that strive for a better tomorrow for all.
The Finnish AI Region (FAIR) is a ten-partner network that includes the cities of Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa, along with expert organizations like Aalto University, IT Center for Science (CSC), and EIT Digital, all part of Espoo’s innovation ecosystem. Funded by the Digital Europe Programme, FAIR aims to boost AI adoption, digital transformation, and green transition in Finnish SMEs. As part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) network, it enhances digital competencies and supports sustainable economic growth, digital sovereignty, and competitiveness across Europe.
FAIR integrates seamlessly into Espoo’s and the capital regions innovation ecosystem strengthening the region’s status as one of the world’s leading centers of AI expertise. Its strategic activities include improving digital skills, providing hands-on testing for SMEs, fostering investment connections, and effective communication. Test-before-invest services allow businesses to prototype innovations in supportive environments before full-scale implementation. FAIR also connects SMEs with potential investors and uses strategic marketing to boost visibility.
FAIR’s ecosystem includes 117 registered companies, with equal representation in the health and smart city sectors and significant presence in digital services. In its first 18 months, FAIR executed 53 test-before-invest services and organized multiple networking and training events with other European innovation hubs. FAIR's key impacts include deepening AI integration in Finnish SMEs, boosting companies' digital maturity through skills development and progress monitoring, promoting digital innovation for regional economic growth, coordinating with 200 EDIHs to scale successes Europe-wide, and prioritizing sustainability by driving green technologies, workforce transformation, and a culture of innovation and digital readiness.