In Partnership with TEKEL
Interfacing with business all over the country
The TEKEL network is a nationwide co-operative body for Finnish science parks. Its 31 member centres interface closely with business. The operational impact of TEKEL centres extends to 14,100 companies, 2,200 of which are based in science parks. In addition, customer companies operating in the 17 technology incubators employ about 1,800 people (in 2007). (See TEKEL centres in a nutshell.)
The network actively develops science park activities, in order to make Finland into an even more internationally attractive environment for innovation. Through the science park services of the TEKEL network, there exists nationwide coverage for different functions and project implementation.
The Board of Directors of TEKEL consists of representatives of members of the network from all over Finland. Teams also play a key role in developing science park activity. Their activities include the preparation of procedures shared by the network concerning various functions.
A key network-co-operation and management tool is TekelNYT, TEKEL’s electronic forum, which acts as a channel for discussion and information, and also as a reporting and archiving tool.
Examples of project co-operation in recent years include the Centre of Expertise Programme (OSKE) and the Enterprise Europe Network that began in 2008.
An efficient and accessible network
Closely involved in the Centre of Expertise Programme
In the Centre of Expertise Programme (OSKE) programme, support is being given to regional strengths, areas of regional specialisation and co-operation between centres of expertise. The national programme involves 13 national Competence Clusters and 21 regional Centres of Expertise from different regions.
TEKEL member centres have been closely involved in the implementation of the OSKE programme since its inception. In practice, most of the TEKEL members and science parks are operating as Centres of Expertise in their respective regions.
(For further information, also check the OSKE website.)
TEKEL as a moderator for the Enterprise Europe Network
TEKEL acts as a moderator for technology transfer services and information on framework programmes in the Enterprise Europe Network. The technology transfer service offers small-to-medium-sized businesses, universities and research institutes the chance to find partners in more than 40 countries in the fields of the buying and selling of technology, production collaboration, product development and licensing. Information on framework programmes is provided in co-operation with the Finnish Secretariat for EU R&D.
In Finland, the network is coordinated by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. Partners in co-operation are the Employment and Economic Development Centre for Southwestern Finland, the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, the Finnish Science Park Association TEKEL, Licentia Ltd, Technopolis Ventures Ltd, Turku Science Park Ltd and Hermia Business Development Ltd.
(For further information on the Enterprise Europe Network, click here.)
