Mayor’s Innovation Competition – Innovations from the locals to the locals

This article series presents cases of innovations built here in Espoo that strive for a better tomorrow for all.

For 12 years the Mayor's Innovation Competition has been showcasing and fostering innovative solutions and practices developed by the locals benefiting the locals. The competition, organized in collaboration with Excellence Finland, is open to city employees and local companies, as well as to their partner organizations. The emphasis is put especially on innovations that prioritize the city’s residents and customers either as recipients of improved services or as partners in development.

The competition seeks innovations in two categories: new and potential innovations. The submissions are evaluated on their innovativeness, including novelty value, usability and learning, and their excellence, including customer orientation, profitability and efficiency.

Over the years, the competition has received 424 applications across all city sectors and various companies, involving numerous ecosystem partnerships. As a result, it has lifted up innovations such as the Future Mentors program, where young people aged 18–25 mentor city leaders on their thoughts regarding a sustainable future, and the Kera District Development Commitment, an urban development tool guiding area operators to implement sustainable solutions in a long-term and collaborative manner and the Ohjaamotalo activation days to support unemployed youth.