Sitra is accelerating defence and security innovations by supporting the new nationwide Define network. The collaboration, expanding to six cities, brings growth, jobs and new opportunities to the whole of Finland.

Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE), the Finnish defence and security collaboration network that gained wide international attention in December through its NATO cooperation, is expanding nationwide.

Define is a defence sector network and operating model developed by the City of Riihimäki. With funding from Sitra, the network is expanding to five new cities and two universities of applied sciences, bringing together the sector’s top experts and companies. The expansion of the network opens doors to new investments, exports and jobs in the rapidly growing defence and security sector.

Each region brings its own strength to the network, such as artificial intelligence solutions, cybersecurity or border security innovations, and together they reinforce each other’s impact. For example, the Joensuu region has a drone testing area where new drone solutions developed in Espoo can be tested in practice.

“The expansion of the operating model is a significant step for Finland in strengthening the creation of defence and security innovations and turning them into new business, exports, investments and jobs – and above all, economic growth for the whole country,” says Laura Halenius, Leading Specialist at Sitra.

The City of Riihimäki is the main implementer of the network’s national expansion. Riihimäki also coordinates the network’s international activities, such as cooperation with NATO.

“Our goal is to build Define into an internationally significant defence innovation ecosystem that brings together the sector’s top experts in Finland and around the world,” comments Jouni Eho, Mayor of Riihimäki.

Define’s member organisations are responsible for funding the projects. With its funding, Sitra supports the expansion of the model nationwide.

The work is part of Sitra’s Growth from critical technologies project, which aims to strengthen the technology sector’s foresight and innovation capabilities and create the conditions for economic growth. The project also examines growth opportunities in the defence industry and the development of innovation activities in the sector. Sitra’s task is to increase understanding of the conditions for growth and to seek opportunities for sustainable growth for Finland.

The actors in the DEFINE ecosystem and their strengths

• Riihimäki serves as the project’s main hub, focusing on cooperation with the Finnish Defence Forces. As its technological spearhead, Riihimäki invests in artificial intelligence and autonomous solutions.
• Espoo contributes deep-tech innovations that combine top-level expertise from research and the business world.
• Forssa focuses on ESG impact and expertise, which ensures a sustainable development perspective.
• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences invests in autonomous solutions for the defence sector and physical artificial intelligence, which opens doors to smart transport and logistics solutions.
• Häme University of Applied Sciences invests in developing local artificial intelligence solutions and education for the needs of the defence sector.
• Hämeenlinna focuses on security of supply and resilience, which is critical in managing emergency situations.
• Joensuu focuses on border security solutions, which are increasingly important in the changing geopolitical environment.
• Oulu strengthens the role of radio technology and 6G development, which supports Finland’s position as a pioneer in wireless communications.

Sitra’s press release on the topic.