Universities as the engines of expertise

Turku region is a lively economic area with over 300,000 inhabitants and a diverse business environment. More than 60% of the region’s industrial output is exported. We already possess leading expertise in e.g. biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, ICT, logistics, and the maritime and shipbuilding industries. For example, Aker Finnyards in the Pansio district builds the world’s largest and most luxurious cruise liners.

Turku is also a student city with hundreds of years of tradition that lends a distinct characteristic to the cityscape. Turku is home to three universities, as well as four universities of applied sciences of which Turku University of Applied Sciences is the biggest in Finland. A total of 35,000 students attends universities in the region and a further 32,000 people participate in continuing education at the universities every year. 27% of over 15 year-olds in Turku have an academic degree. So companies can find plenty of skilled and educated labour in the Turku region. The availability and cost of labour is constantly good.

Educational establishments and Turku Science Park form the core of the regional innovation system. There is a great deal of co-operation with the business world as science, high-quality research and commercial know-how often lead to successful business ventures. Turku region provides companies with a unique setting for developing new operations.