Finland is establishing a new international innovation test field for border security and dual-use technologies as the Joensuu-based Borderland Europe testing environment joins the NATO Innovation Range (NIR) framework.
The first 10-day NATO NIR testing event will be held in Joensuu, Turku and Riihimäki from 1–10 June 2026 as part of the NATO LCI-X CRUCIBLE Series of testing events. The event is coordinated by the Digital Defence Ecosystem in cooperation with the Borderland Europe test environments.
The NATO Innovation Range framework is designed to accelerate the development, testing and operational adoption of advanced technologies relevant to defense and security. Key focus areas include artificial intelligence, resilient 5G/6G communications, autonomous systems and multi-sensor situational awareness.
The Borderland Europe collaboration offers companies, research organisations, and authorities testing environments for developing technology solutions for border security, comprehensive security, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The network includes Business Joensuu (digital border security), Business Turku (maritime security and port ecosystems), and the DEFINE innovation environment coordinated by Riihimäki region (development and piloting platform for security technologies).
The long-term objective is to build a European-level test and validation environment for border security and digital resilience, enabling international pilots and demonstrations and EU-funded research and innovation programs. The aim is also to develop NATO-compatible technologies and faster market access for European security and defense companies
According to Olli Ruutu, Director General of the Ministry of Defence of Finland, technological innovation has become central to security policy.
“Europe’s security environment is changing rapidly, and technological development increasingly shapes both defense capability and border security. It is therefore essential to build innovation environments where companies, research organizations and public authorities can jointly develop and test new solutions. Borderland Europe strengthens this cooperation and supports the resilience of both Finland and its allies.”
The initiative is expected to strengthen Finland’s role as a European hub for dual-use technology development, while providing companies with real-world testing environments and direct pathways into NATO- and EU-related innovation ecosystems.
Borderland Europe project is co-funded by the EU and North Karelia Regional Council, and managed by Business Joensuu.
Business Joensuu
Pauliina Pikkujämsä
Director, Investment and Location Services
+358 40 743 4362
Business Turku
Tero Niemi
Director, Operational Environment Development
+358 50 386 7212
DEFINE Riihimäki
Teemu Seppälä
Innovation Director
+358 50 374 4589
NB: The photo is made by AI.