Finland is embarking on an exciting new chapter in innovation and economic development as the Defense Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) expands across the nation, promising to bring fresh opportunities, skilled jobs, and sustainable growth to communities nationwide.

What began as an innovative collaboration model in the City of Riihimäki has now blossomed into a nationwide movement, thanks to support from Sitra, Finland's fund for the future. The network is expanding to six cities and partnering with two universities of applied sciences, creating a powerful ecosystem that brings together the country's brightest minds and most innovative companies in the defense and security sector.

The expansion represents more than just organizational growth—it's opening doors to international investments, export opportunities, and meaningful employment across Finland. Each participating region contributes unique expertise, from cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions and cybersecurity innovations to border security technologies, creating a tapestry of complementary strengths that amplify each other's impact.

One particularly exciting example of this collaboration is the synergy between different regions. The Joensuu area hosts a specialized drone testing facility where innovative drone solutions developed in Espoo can be tested in real-world conditions, demonstrating how regional cooperation creates practical pathways from concept to application.

"The expansion of this operating model is a significant step for Finland in strengthening defense and security innovation and turning it into new business, exports, investments and jobs—and above all, bringing economic growth for the entire country," shares Laura Halenius, a senior lead at Sitra, capturing the transformative potential of this initiative.

The timing couldn't be better. DEFINE has already gained impressive international recognition through its collaboration with NATO in December, establishing Finland's credentials on the global stage. Now, with Riihimäki serving as the coordination hub for international activities, the network is well-positioned to attract global expertise and partnerships.

Jouni Eho, Mayor of Riihimäki, expresses an inspiring vision for the future: "Our goal is to build DEFINE into an internationally significant defense innovation ecosystem that brings together top expertise from Finland and around the world."

The expansion is part of Sitra's broader Growth from Critical Technologies project, which focuses on strengthening foresight and innovation capabilities while creating conditions for sustainable economic growth. This strategic approach ensures that Finland remains at the forefront of technological advancement while building a stronger, more resilient economy.

Espoo's participation brings particularly exciting prospects, as the city contributes its deep technology innovations and partnerships with prestigious institutions like Aalto University, VTT, and leading companies. This combination of academic excellence and business expertise creates a powerful engine for innovation.

The collaborative funding model demonstrates Finland's commitment to this vision, with individual partners supporting specific projects while Sitra backs the nationwide expansion, ensuring sustainable growth across all participating regions.

As Finland embraces this new era of defense innovation, the DEFINE network stands as a shining example of how collaborative thinking, strategic partnerships, and regional strengths can combine to create something greater than the sum of its parts—a brighter, more prosperous future for all of Finland.