Research and development drives bold growth
RDI – research, development and innovation – is a powerful engine for growth and an essential part of bold business development.
At Business Turku, we help companies identify their research and development potential, find the right partners and use cutting‑edge research to develop new solutions.
We connect businesses, research organisations and partners in concrete development projects that deliver real value.
Apply now: RDI Vouchers for company–university collaboration!
Why should companies invest in RDI?
Research, development and innovation (RDI) provide companies with a concrete pathway to develop new products, services and operating models. Through research collaboration, businesses can strengthen their capabilities, build competitive advantage and open up new markets.
RDI also often brings access to international funding opportunities as well as extensive networks of expertise and partners.
We help companies make the most of these opportunities and launch their development work smoothly.
Torque for growth from universities
The four leading higher education institutions in the Turku region offer companies access to research expertise, extensive expert networks and support for piloting and experimentation.
Combining research with business helps develop new solutions and achieve sustainable results.
Read more below about the cooperation opportunities offered by local higher education institutions.
The University of Turku is a community of 25,000 researchers and students across 8 faculties and 4 independent units, and an active partner for business. We seek corporate partners for research and development projects from specific field studies to extensive multidisciplinary collaborations involving multiple companies.
Through projects, companies can also access the University’s wide international network. We offer service research, technology transfer, and opportunities to utilise our research infrastructure.
Turku University of Applied Sciences offers companies practical support for product, service, and process development by leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise to build a sustainable future and a good life.
With over 200 RDI projects annually, companies gain access to expert knowledge, student creativity, and modern development environments. Every fourth project is carried out in collaboration with an international network. At Turku UAS, research and development cover areas such as low-emission engines, improved acoustics, new materials, and everyday solutions for care work.
Åbo Akademi University is the Swedish speaking multidisciplinary academic university in Finland, whose 6 000 students and employees contribute to society through general learning, education and new scientific knowledge.
Åbo Akademi University collaborates with companies on a wide range of topics, both in research and education, from international research projects, analysis services, course projects to guest lectures.
Strategic research profiles Solutions for Health, The Sea, Technologies for Sustainable Future and Minority research offer companies excellent opportunities to utilize our expertise and our extensive equipment base in their own RDI activities.
Yrkeshögskolan Novia’s research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities aim to develop society and working life while actively engaging in regional, national, and international innovation networks. Each year, Novia carries out around 170 RDI projects with a total value of approximately €22.8 million.
In addition to Turku, the university operates in Vaasa, Raseborg, and Jakobstad, and it focuses on smart systems and artificial intelligence, striving to be a national forerunner in these areas. Through these strengths, Novia aims to contribute to building a fair, sustainable, and inspiring future for Finland. Novia operates in line with Agenda 2030 and the goals of sustainable development.
Boost your company’s growth with the RDI Voucher
Does your company have an unmet development need? The RDI Voucher lowers the threshold to start collaboration that takes your idea to the next level and supports your company’s growth!
Companies in Turku can now apply for up to €10,000 in funding for research, development, and innovation projects with local higher education institutions.
The voucher can be used for example to:
- Commission theses from universities or universities of applied sciences
- Carry out research and development projects
- Utilize analysis and measurement services offered by higher education institutions
Growth and Development from the Turku region
Get inspired by business stories and current topics from the Turku region! Find out how RDI activities have turned companies’ ideas into growth and taken their business to a new level. You can find all RDI-related articles on our Articles page.
Would you like to learn more about the key focus areas of RDI activities in Southwest Finland?
Download the RDI Guide, prepared as part of the RDI Compass project funded by the Regional Council of Southwest Finland.
Get in touch with our RDI experts
Looking for a boost to your company’s growth?
We help growth companies in the Turku region – as well as businesses interested in establishing operations here – to develop and grow their business. Our services are free of charge.