On 2–3 June 2026, the Baltic Institute of Finland welcomed partners of the Interreg Europe project ICSI EU to Tampere for the project’s fourth interregional learning visit and partnership meeting.
The two-day programme focused on how cross-sectoral cooperation can strengthen safety, security and innovation at regional level. The visit brought together project partners and stakeholders from across Europe to exchange experiences and explore practical examples from the Tampere region.
Regional policies and ecosystems supporting cross-sectoral innovation
The first day of the visit began with a series of keynote speeches on how the Tampere region fosters collaboration between public authorities, businesses and research organisations to support regional development. Participants were introduced to the Pirkanmaa Regional Development Programme, which serves as a key policy instrument guiding regional development and innovation activities.
The sessions highlighted Tampere’s approach to building innovation ecosystems that bring together public authorities, businesses, research organisations and other stakeholders – with a particular focus on urban safety and security.
Participants also learned about the Tampere Region Safety and Security Cluster and the Interreg Europe project SafeSkills, both of which demonstrate how collaboration across sectors can strengthen regional resilience in practice.
Exploring innovation in action
The learning visit continued with a series of site visits showcasing how cross-sectoral innovation is translated into practical solutions across the Tampere region.
At Insta, partners explored advanced simulation platforms designed to support crisis preparedness and management for both public and private organisations. Through realistic scenarios, participants gained insights into how simulation technologies can help organisations prepare and better respond to complex challenges.
The visit to VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland highlighted the role of research and innovation in developing solutions that enhance safety. Participants were introduced to practical examples, such as autonomous driving solutions, demonstrating how research organisations contribute to innovation ecosystems and support the development of new technologies.
On the second day, partners visited the Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County (Pirha), where they learned about Finland’s wellbeing services county model, which brings healthcare, social services and rescue services under a single organisation. Discussions also highlighted Pirha’s research, development and health innovation ecosystem, which brings together public authorities, universities, research organisations and businesses to develop new solutions that improve both wellbeing and safety.
The study visit concluded with a workshop on strategic foresight, where participants and regional stakeholders explored future trends, opportunities and challenges relevant to cross-sectoral innovation.
The project now looks ahead to the next interregional meeting in Bremen, Germany.
Want to learn more about ICSI EU?
ICSI EU is an Interreg Europe project that helps regions strengthen their policy instruments and innovation ecosystems by encouraging collaboration across sectors and disciplines. Through interregional learning and exchange, project partners identify and share good practices that can improve regional innovation policies and support sustainable development.
Visit the official ICSI project page on Interreg Europe to learn more about the project’s goals, partners and ongoing activities.
You may also want to read our earlier article, which provides an overview of how ICSI connects sectors to foster innovation across Europe.
