Growth from Data Economy in Uusimaa (DATASTEP)
Background and goals
This project focuses on solving data availability challenges for new business needs, for example, through European data spaces, and on leveraging data to accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Data availability and usability are key challenges indeveloping new business within the SME sector.
The project supports the development of businesses with the potential to succeed internationally. A key challenge in the data economy for businesses is the development of export operations. The project provides companies with access to test infrastructures, such as sandboxes, for developing new business both in Finland and Europe. We utilize the test infrastructure offerings of Finland's European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), which already include over 100 facilities, as well as the broader EDIH network. Additionally, we offer resources from AI factories and European Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs).
The project also promotes skills development and data maturity assessment. Key tools include the DMAT tool from the EDIH network and Tieke's data maturity assessment tool. Research, development, and innovation (RDI) actors in Uusimaa will receive training on using these tools and on the EDIH services available to businesses.
This project supports and develops existing regional European Digital Innovation Hubs, including the Finnish AI Region EDIH and the Location Innovation Hub EDIH, in line with the Renewing and Competent Finland 2021–2027 EU regional and structural policy program. Both hubs operate from Helsinki.
Objectives and benefits
The overall objective of the project is to increase the effective use of digitalization and strengthen the related competencies across businesses, public organizations, and research actors. Through improved collaboration and the adoption of digital technologies, the project aims to create new business opportunities, support sustainable growth, and improve the efficiency of societal functions. A key outcome is stronger cooperation between actors and a more mature, innovation-oriented digital ecosystem in the region.
1. Strengthening digital skills and collaboration
The project aims to enhance digitalization-related competencies in SMEs and the public sector, with a strong focus on cooperation and network building. Particular emphasis is placed on emerging technologies such as the data economy, data spaces, artificial intelligence, and IoT. By developing ecosystems and collaborative networks, the project supports organizations in their digital transition and in the renewal of business models.
2. Wider shared use of research infrastructures
The project promotes broader regional and European-level access to research infrastructures. By supporting collaboration between companies and research organizations, these infrastructures are used more effectively for developing, testing, and piloting new digital solutions. This increases innovation capacity, especially for SMEs, and lowers barriers to experimentation and growth.
3. Supporting Digital Innovation Hubs and European networks
Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) are strengthened to better serve SMEs and connect them to European data spaces and value networks. The objective is to improve companies’ ability to use open data, AI, and other digital technologies to support business development, competitiveness, and international growth.
4. Expanding digital services and service channels
The project expands the availability and adoption of digital services and service channels, particularly for SMEs. The focus is on developing customer-oriented, scalable, and secure digital services that support innovation, efficiency, and business growth across different sectors.
5. Enhancing regional experimentation platforms
Experimentation and testing activities in the Helsinki metropolitan area are intensified through digital innovations and new technologies, such as data spaces. SMEs gain access to test and development environments where they can experiment with and refine digital solutions, accelerating technology adoption and market readiness.
6. Connecting Uusimaa companies to European data spaces
The project improves the ability of companies in Uusimaa to utilize open data and European data spaces. By facilitating access to digital platforms and value networks, companies are supported in creating new data-driven business models and services, with particular benefits for SMEs seeking growth through data utilization.
7. Utilizing EDIH test platforms for SMEs
International EDIH network test platforms are leveraged to support SMEs in Uusimaa and Helsinki in piloting and deploying digital solutions. This strengthens SME digitalization and internationalization, especially through the use of data and advanced technologies as drivers of business growth.
Abstract
This project addresses key data availability and usability challenges that hinder the development of new data-driven business models, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It supports SMEs in leveraging data, including through European data spaces, to accelerate growth and enable international business and export activities. Companies gain access to extensive test and experimentation infrastructures, such as sandboxes, AI factories, and European Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs), utilizing the services of Finland’s and Europe’s European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) networks. The project also promotes skills development and data maturity through assessment tools and targeted training for regional research, development, and innovation actors. By strengthening existing EDIHs in the Helsinki region, the project contributes to a more competitive and data-driven SME ecosystem aligned with EU innovation priorities.
Sustainable development goals
