ECOSYSTEMS
STRONGER TOGETHER
The term ecosystem was initially introduced to describe how various organisms interact with each other and with the surrounding environments. The concept was later transferred to the world of business where an ecosystem consists of a network of interlinked companies that interact with each other to survive and thrive. The overall synergy of the system outperforms any potential short-term effects on the balance sheet.
We firmly believe that Finnish, or should we say European, companies are better prepared for the future challenges, whatever they might be, if we cooperate whenever it is possible. In addition to ecosystems, we see that various professional associations are equally beneficial for all of us. Below, we list the main ecosystems and associations where we are members. If you are already a member, great to have you onboard, if not, consider joining in the most relevant ones. But please do remember, that the outcome you’ll get from these ecosystems and associations is worth the investment, if, and only if, you are an active and committed member.
FIMA
FIMA (Forum for Intelligent Machines ry) is a Finnish association and network for mobile work machine manufacturers, specialist companies, system integrators and research institutes. It is an Industry driven association developing intelligence and automation for heavy mobile work machines.
The cluster includes the following original equipment manufactures (OEMs): John Deere, Konecranes, Patria, Logisnext, Bronto Skylift, Avant, Mantsinen and Kalmar. Additionally, many system integrators and research organisations are active members. FIMA promotes and outlines research and product development in the field in accordance with this industry’s needs and engages over 300 specialists in member organisations.
Mobile work machines for a wide variety of purposes and environments represent one of Finland’s most significant fields of industry. However, much of the technology in these machines is similar, and intelligence is often implemented using the same basic solutions. FIMA’s mission is at transforming Finland into world’s leading developer and applier of innovative, intelligent work machine solutions.
SIX MOBILE WORK MACHINES
SIX Mobile Machines is an industry driven cluster of Finnish mobile machine manufacturers and their key technology providers. The cluster includes well-known companies like Sandvik, Valtra, Ponsse, Valmet Automotive and Kalmar among others. Most of them are world leaders in their own fields.
Non-road mobile machines (NRMM) serve a wide area of industrial sectors such as mining, material handling, forestry, agriculture and construction. They are essential assets in many value chains and serve in various tasks and environments. The mobility and a work to be done unify all NRMMs. The common features allow to harvest synergies in R&D for NRMM and to increase return of investments of the R&D.
Intelligent mobile work machines, such as mining and forestry machines, agricultural machines, and logistic equipment, are a cornerstone of Finnish industry with machines and vehicles comprising more than 25% (15 billion €/yr.) of Finnish export. A group of Finnish OEMs and technology providers have formed an industrial cluster outlining an innovation road map with a vision for 2030 directly reflecting the perspective of the industry on the future research and development needs.
VAMOS
VAMOS Ecosystem is a Finnish innovation cluster that focuses on autonomous mobility in smart spaces. It brings together companies that jointly collaborate, compete, and create solutions based on smart spaces technologies, electrification, and autonomous smart mobility for the global market. VAMOS seeks to connect relevant technology and service providers with end users, value ecosystems, and OEM providers from various vertical industries. VAMOS Ecosystem is funded by Business Finland and the participating companies.
DIGITAL DEFENCE ECOSYSTEM
The Digital Defence Ecosystem (DDE) is a network of leading Finnish defence and technology companies plus research institutes developing new digital defence solutions to international markets. Finnish civilian technology start-ups and SMEs are delivering innovations and dual-use solutions that drive the digitalisation of the defence sector. DDE supports Finnish technology companies in entering the competitive and highly regulated global defence market. It supports Finnish national security by ensuring adequate expertise and production capabilities, safeguarding the defence sector’s security of supply in Finland.
The ecosystem was founded in 2022 by 16 different defence and security technology companies and research institutions. Since then, new members have joined the network, bringing the total to 37. The ecosystem is actively scouting new appropriate member companies.
THE ROBOTICS SOCIETY (FIN)
The Robotics Society in Finland (Suomen Robotiikkayhdistys ry) is an open association of people interested in (industrial) robotics. It is a private, non-profit organization, established year 1983. The mission is to support all the users, technology providers and educators in the field of industrial robotics by providing the right contacts, training and advice. The member base consists of 300+ personal members and around 60 supporting members. The Robotics Society in Finland is a member of euRobotics, member of GRC, The Global Robot Cluster, and a founding member of IARA, The International Alliance of Robotics Associations.
EIT DIGITAL
Launched in 2010, EIT Digital set out on a journey of growth. Growth of our community, growth of delivery on innovation, entrepreneurship and talent, and growth of its impact through thought leadership. Since its launch, EIT Digital has equipped more than 3,500 students with the skills to innovate and become entrepreneurs; EIT Digital has supported more than 780 start-ups and scaleups to grow internationally, created more than 250 ventures and launched more than 540 products and services commercially.
EIT Digital answers specific innovation needs by, for example, finding the right partners to bring technology to the market, supporting the scale-up of digital technology ventures, attracting talent and developing their digital knowledge and skills. EIT Digital invests in strategic areas to accelerate the market uptake and scaling of research-based digital technologies (deep tech) focusing on Europe’s key societal challenges: Digital Tech, Digital Cities, Digital Industry, Digital Wellbeing, and Digital Finance.
EIT Digital matured against the background of a fast-accelerating digital world and a growing focus on entrepreneurship in Europe. Complementing the strong European research base, this entrepreneurial mindset will strengthen Europe’s position in a digital world driven by data, platforms, and the network economy. Creating a Strong Digital Europe will safeguard European values by being inclusive, fair, and sustainable.
VDMA
Mit 3.600 Mitgliedern ist der VDMA die größte Netzwerkorganisation und wichtiges Sprachrohr des Maschinenbaus in Deutschland und Europa. Der Verband vertritt die gemeinsamen wirtschaftlichen, technischen und wissenschaftlichen Interessen dieser einzigartigen und vielfältigen Industrie.