Finnish cities shine in EU innovation awards

The European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital) recognise cities that lead the way in delivering innovative solutions to their citizens. The winner of this year’s competition was Turin, Italy, and the West Midlands Combined Authority from the UK secured the third place. 

Espoo’s application emphasised building a hopeful future for young people and highlighted the city’s collaborative ecosystem, where academia, research institutions and businesses collaborate to address global challenges. Mayor Jukka Mäkelä credited the city’s innovation community for the success:

“Espoo has a unique ecosystem where high-level innovation co-operation among different stakeholders is perhaps more seamless than anywhere else in the world,” Mäkelä said. “The role of Espoo and the rest of the metropolitan area as a driving force for Finland’s economic growth and a foundation of national wellbeing is unquestionable.”

The accolade includes a 100 000-euro prize, which will be used to advance European innovation initiatives in Espoo. The city has roughly 314 000 residents. 

Finland also saw success in the smaller cities category, where Oulu placed third. Located in Northern Finland, Oulu has a population of approximately 211 000. The jury praised it as a city where innovation and nature coexist, fostering a curiosity-driven innovation culture.

“Even reaching the final is a significant achievement for Oulu. It highlights our city’s strengths in education, technology, circular economy and inclusion,” said Ari Alatossava, mayor of Oulu. “Oulu will be the European Capital of Culture in 2026. Our goal is cultural climate change, which means creating a new feeling of togetherness.”

Patent aplenty

Espoo has a lot to brag about. In 2023, the city ranked sixth among all European cities in the number of patent applications (1 413). This accounts for roughly 60 per cent of all patent applications in Finland. Furthermore, over 95 per cent of the funding raised by startups in Espoo last year went to companies that support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

The city underscores its partnership with Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland as a significant factor in its innovation success. 

“Our cooperation has enabled the emergence and scaling of significant innovations both nationally and internationally,” said Ilkka Niemelä, president of Aalto University. “The value of the companies that have launched themselves out into the world from our ecosystem is over 30 billion euros.”