FinNode is a global network of Finnish innovation organizations. Operating via nodes in global innovation activity, FinNode actively reveals new openings for Finnish business and research organizations and supports their internationalisation. It connects Finnish and international experts and the know-how required to promote innovation. As FinNode represents all sections of the Finnish innovation system in the countries where it operates, foreign partners can engage with Finland’s central public innovation organizations.
The FinNode network operates in the United States, China, Russia, Japan and India.
FinNode’s international network consists of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finpro, Tekes (the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation), Sitra (the Finnish Innovation Fund), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the Academy of Finland. The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK also participate in directing FinNode’s activities.
FinNode USA was established in 2007 and is the first member of the Finnish Innovation Network. The focus areas of FinNode operations in the USA in 2011 are ICT, cleantech, health and wellbeing and services/education. Through its D.C. office there is also a strong link with the World Bank and other development institutions. FinNode USA initiates joint projects in these focus areas to foster collaboration, evaluate opportunities and identify new business models.
FinNode is a globally operating innovation network promoting collaboration. It networks Finnish and international professionals and knowledge for creating innovations. FinNode introduces new opportunities by following global development trends in selected countries. FinNodes serve locally in India, Russia, Japan, China and USA as gateways to the whole Finnish innovation ecosystem.
The key organizations behind FinNode in Finland are the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Finpro – Finland Trade Center, and Tekes - the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. Ministry of Education and Culture, VTT - Technical Research Centre of Finland, Sitra - the Finnish Innovation Fund, EK - The Confederation of Finnish Industries and the Academy of Finland are supporting the FinNode work. In the USA, these organizations participate in hands-on FinNode work in Silicon Valley/Santa Clara, Washington D.C., Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Stamford.
Current FinNode USA projects are:
