Sitra supports defence innovations in six cities – Joensuu’s focus is on border security

Sitra is accelerating innovation in the defence and security sector by supporting a new nationwide DEFINE network. Expanding to six cities, the collaboration will generate growth, jobs and new opportunities across Finland.

The Finnish defence and security cooperation network Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) that gained wide international visibility through its cooperation with NATO in December, is now expanding into a nationwide network.

DEFINE is a defence innovation network and operating model originally developed by the City of Riihimäki. With funding from Sitra, the network will expand to five new cities and two universities of applied sciences, bringing together leading experts and companies in the field. The expansion opens doors to new investments, exports and jobs in the rapidly growing defence and security sector.

Each region contributes its own strengths to the network, including artificial intelligence solutions, cybersecurity or border security innovations – together they will reinforce each other’s impact. For example, the Joensuu region hosts a drone testing area where new drone solutions developed in Espoo can be tested in real-world conditions.

“The expansion of this operating model is a significant step for Finland in strengthening defence and security innovation and turning it into new business, exports, investments and jobs – and above all, bringing economic growth for the entire country,” says Laura Halenius, a senior lead at Sitra.

The City of Riihimäki serves as the main implementing partner for the nationwide expansion of the network. Riihimäki also coordinates the international activities of the network, including its cooperation with NATO.

“Our goal is to build DEFINE into an internationally significant defence innovation ecosystem that brings together top expertise from Finland and around the world,” says Jouni Eho, the Mayor of Riihimäki.

The DEFINE partners are responsible for funding individual projects, while Sitra supports the nationwide expansion of the model through its funding.

The work is part of Sitra’s Growth from Critical Technologies project that aims to strengthen foresight and innovation capabilities in the technology sector and create conditions for economic growth. The project also explores growth opportunities in the defence industry and the development of innovation activities in the sector. Sitra’s mission is to increase understanding of the conditions for growth and seek opportunities for sustainable growth in Finland.

DEFINE ecosystem partners and their strengths

The network brings together research, companies, and testing environments where new defence and security solutions can be implemented more flexibly. 

• In Joensuu, the focus is on digital border security solutions that can be tested in a real-world Borderland Europe environment.
• Riihimäki acts as the main hub of the initiative, focusing on cooperation with the Finnish Defence Forces. Its technological spearheads include artificial intelligence and autonomous solutions.
• Espoo contributes deep technology innovations that combine cutting-edge research with top-level business expertise.
• Forssa focuses on the ESG impact and competence, ensuring a strong sustainability perspective.
• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences invests in autonomous defence solutions and physical AI, opening doors to intelligent transport and logistics solutions.
• Häme University of Applied Sciences is investing in the development of local AI solutions and training to meet the needs of the defence sector.
• Hämeenlinna focuses on security of supply and resilience, which are critical for managing exceptional situations.
• Oulu strengthens the role of radio technologies and 6G development, supporting Finland’s position as a forerunner in wireless communications.

Contacts

Source: Sitra's press release