Kanta-Häme selected as EU Regional Innovation Valley – Creates opportunities for competitiveness and know-how as well as research and development in HAMK’s area of operation
Kanta-Häme is one of the first regions to be selected for the European Union’s flagship programme, which fosters connected regional deep-tech innovation valleys across the EU. The programme supports the development of innovation and research in Kanta-Häme region.
The European Commission selected 151 regions, including Kanta-Häme and the other regions of the RUN European University (RUN-EU) partners, as Regional Innovation Valleys. Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) forms the RUN-EU together with seven other European higher education institutions.
“This is part of the European Commission’s Innovation Agenda – the flagship programme. The aim is to connect European regions and ecosystems. First there were the European universities and now these innovation valleys seem to be developing around them. This is a great opportunity for the whole of Kanta-Häme and Finland to be part of European development,” says Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä, Vice President of Häme University of Applied Sciences.
The Innovation Valleys are committed to focus on, for example, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, increasing global food security, mastering the digital transformation (including cybersecurity), improving healthcare and achieving circularity. They will also promote cooperation and partnerships between regions. The European Union will fund the regions selected in June 2024 with a total of €116 million.
“The Regional Innovation Valley programme strengthens and creates more opportunities for EU-funded cooperation projects within RUN-EU and in our areas of operation,” says Annukka Pakarinen, Research Director of Häme University of Applied Sciences.
The application for the Regional Innovation Valley was prepared in cooperation between HAMK, the regional development organizations and the Regional Council of Häme.
“The selection of Kanta-Häme as an innovation valley is a great thing. It creates significant opportunities for the research and development activities of companies in the region, as well as for the development of added value and know-how. This should also bring the European internal market closer to the region’s actors. Together we can be more competitive internationally,” says Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä, Vice President of Häme University of Applied Sciences.
Regional Innovation Valleys have the potential to play an important role in strengthening the European innovation system. The programme aims to support create jobs, boost economic growth and improve the quality of life of EU citizens.
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