Center for Knowledge and Innovation Research (CKIR)

Innovation Ecosystems and Growth

One of the main themes is innovation ecosystems and start-ups, specifically the complex relationships between organizational ecosystems, governance structures, and societal impacts. CKIR's projects under this category support sustainable development, conceptualize governance mechanisms, and understand the societal implications of innovation and collaboration within ecosystems.
Picture
Roope Kiviranta


These projects focus on ecosystem dynamics, governance models, and societal impact. They provide insights and solutions that support sustainable and inclusive development. The overarching objective is to help finding the resilience and adaptability of organizations and societies in the changing global conditions.

Through these projects CKIR contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions that drive organizational and societal outcomes.

The following projects fall under this theme.

Picture

Ecosystem Game

The project investigated management dynamics and structures in Finnish innovation ecosystems in 2020-2022. Data for the research consisted of interviews and survey with ecosystem representatives in Finland. The research report describes recurring challenges and their suggested solutions.  

Principal investigator: Erkki Ormala. 

Contact persons: Ilkka Lakaniemi, Heini Ikävalko.

Funded by: Business Finland.

Read the research report here.

Picture

AI4EUROPE

The AI4 Europe consortium was established to continue building the first European Artificial Intelligence On-Demand Platform and Ecosystem with the support of the European Commission under the H2020 programme.

A main activity of the project is the creation and support of a large European ecosystem spanning the 28 countries to facilitate collaboration between all Europeans actors in AI (scientists, entrepreneurs, SMEs, industries, funding organizations, citizens), with especially a research focus in mind. 

The project spans a timeperiod of 2022-2026. 

Contact persons: Ilkka Lakaniemi, Ruurik Holm.

Funded by: Horizon Europe. Read more on the project website: https://aiod.eu/

D2EXCEL

D2XCEL

D2XCEL is a collaborative pan-European scaling programme, bringing together a top-tier industry network of 300+ investors, public and private lead customers, and innovation hubs to support deep tech and digital ventures. We holistically mentor the selected ventures and connect them with investors, lead customers and other growth opportunities to strengthen Europe's leadership and sustainable growth in key sectors such as Transport, Logistics, Trade, and Smart Cities. 

The project runs between 2023-2026, and the responsibilities of Aalto University are coordinated between CKIR and Aalto Startup Center (ASUC). 

Contact persons: Ilkka Lakaniemi, Henrik Keinonen, Marika Paakkala (ASUC).

Read more on the project website: https://d2xcel.eu/

Picture

Seeds of Bravery

Seeds of Bravery (UASEEDs) is powered by a network of 17 partners and 2 associated partners, integrating Ukrainian tech innovators in European markets. The aim is to strengthen Ukraine's tech landscape, supporting local entrepreneurs for global success. 

Contact persons: Ilkka Lakaniemi, Henrik Keinonen.

Founding source (€20 million): European Union under the European Innovation Council (EIC)

Read more on the project website: https://seedsofbravery.eu/

Photo: Mikko Raskinen

FINEX

FINEX project supports the quick deployment and uptake of Cleantech solutions. It also drivest the development of support regulatory frameworks through world-class experimentation practices, networks and experience of its partners. 

To solve the climate crisis in practice, we need to accelerate the scaling of breakthrough Cleantech products & solutions. This means novel technologies and related business models that offer competitive returns for investors and customers while they  provide solutions to global societal challenges too. Favourable regulations with supporting experimentation frameworks and support tools to help turning research into market ready innovations are allow a quick uptake of disruptive technologies and innovations with the potential to help tackle grand societal and climate challenges.

Partners come from five universities and four innovation networks, all from Europe. FinEst Centre for Smart Cities in TalTech coordinates the project.

Duration: September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026 (24 months)

Contact persons: Ilkka Lakaniemi, Kalle Toiskallio

Funding (1M€) source: HORIZON CSA, EIC and EISMEA

Read more on the project website: https://finestcentre.eu/project/finex/

  • Published:
  • Updated: