Top-level research, expertise and a strong business base in the Turku region’s maritime industry and autonomous systems form a unique foundation for growth in the security and dual-use sectors. The ecosystem coordinated by Business Turku and its networks create concrete opportunities for companies to grow internationally and quickly find new potential for their products in this rapidly developing field.
Finnish companies are increasingly interested in growing their business in the defence and security sectors, says Jukka Holkeri, a long-time expert in the defence industry. The sector is continuously growing and funding is readily available.
To meet this need, Business Turku is strengthening the Turku region’s security and dual-use ecosystem, which focuses on developing the region’s areas of strength to meet the needs of the security sector. Initially, networks will be formed around the maritime industry and autonomous systems, and later, for example, a life science network will be developed.
– Within the networks, we especially help companies operating in the civilian sector to identify the dual-use potential of their products, in other words to expand their business into the defence sector, explains Tero Niemi, Head of Business Turku’s operating environments.
The goal is to connect the right companies, university research and authorities, provide information on international markets, and open doors globally to enable growth. Growth will emerge both from the expansion of existing companies into a new sector and from the creation of new companies and innovations.
The ecosystem’s focus areas and objectives are based on a study conducted by Jukka Holkeri in autumn 2025 on the strengths of the Turku region and Southwest Finland in the security and dual-use sectors.
Towards an internationally recognised security hub
The Turku region has strong prerequisites to become an internationally significant security hub. According to Holkeri, the maritime operating environment and maritime industry expertise combined with autonomous systems create a unique foundation for security-critical and internationally significant innovations.
– Strengthening maritime security is becoming increasingly critical in the current global situation. The Turku region now has an exceptional opportunity to create something entirely new on a global scale, Holkeri says.
The region’s higher education institutions – the University of Turku, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Yrkeshögskolan Novia and Åbo Akademi University – are globally strong in research and development of autonomous systems, including autonomous platforms, hybrid threats, cybersecurity and metaverse technologies.
Development is also supported by regional authorities such as the Finnish Navy Headquarters and the Finnish Border Guard’s Western Finland Coast Guard District.
From the Turku region to global markets – and vice versa
The security and dual-use market in Finland is relatively small, so the networks aim to target international markets together at an early stage. Sweden, Norway, the United States and NATO countries are particularly in focus.
The Turku region’s areas of special expertise complement other regional security and defence ecosystems in Finland, with which close cooperation is sought. Complementary ecosystems create conditions for stronger national and international projects. Cooperation is also being built with other Nordic countries.
– Finland is a very strong brand globally in security and defence, Holkeri notes.
According to Holkeri, before entering international security markets, it is beneficial for products or services to have concrete references from the civilian or defence sectors. The role of authorities and state actors is therefore central in the Turku region’s networks, as they open doors and create credibility for companies’ business.
Strengthening the security and dual-use ecosystem also plays an important role in attracting companies from elsewhere in Finland and from abroad to the Turku region.
– The idea is to build the networks like puzzles, where we actively look for missing pieces from the Turku region, elsewhere in Finland and globally, and contact these companies to fill gaps in collaboration, Niemi explains.
What’s next and how can you get involved?
The service offering of the Turku region’s security and dual-use ecosystem will be further specified in early 2026. The first networks to be established will focus on the maritime industry and autonomous systems, followed later by, for example, a life science network. The starting point is to provide companies with very concrete support for growth, such as intensive sparring, hands-on support and active networking with authorities and other stakeholders.
– Although our initial focus is on the maritime industry and autonomous systems, all interested actors from different sectors are very welcome to join in unlocking the Turku region’s security and dual-use potential, Niemi emphasises.
Further information about networks
Sofia Pihlava
Senior Specialist,
Security and Dual-Use
+358 10 321 8863
sofia.pihlava@businessturku.fi