Insights

For those of us who work with EU projects, it feels quite natural, after a while, to talk in terms of milestones, work packages and deliverables. For those who really will benefit from the results of the projects – the market – this is all Greek."I am a work package leader in the projects IRIS and United-Grid. In addition, I am responsible for certain specific tasks, milestones and deliverables," Ulrika Wahlström, Innovation Project Manager at IMCG says and laughs, well aware that this is gibberish for ordinary people.   

Finland’s EU presidency begins on 1 July 2019. During that time, major changes to innovation funding were achieved. This time around, our presidency oversees the preparations for Horizon 2020 with unprecedented levels of funding. EU funding can be leveraged to further industry’s innovations and commercialising them, and access to EU funding is easier than ever. It is time for Finnish industry to make the most out of their innovations. EU innovation funding only has impact only if it has the industry to lead the way.

smart-MEMPHIS, a four-year project joining the forces of nine European companies, universities and research institutes, has drawn to a close, establishing a new competitive ecosystem for energy autonomous smart sensor systems and building European leadership in the microsystems sector.

Finnish and European battery ecosystems were assessed in an extensive study focusing on the current status of the battery industry. The report made for Business Finland by Spinverse in collaboration with Gaia consulting gathered insights of about 130 experts in Finland and Europe, covering the whole value chain from raw materials, cells and batteries to various applications and recycling. The study identified six key areas for potential added value creation and 13 key recommendations for actions for the Finnish battery ecosystem. 

We are delighted to announce Tomas Hedenborg as Spinverse’s newest board member.

Disruption is one of today’s hottest buzzwords. Disruption and continuous renewal are the norm, and changes are occurring at increasing speed. At the same time, technology or products are no longer the sole basis of competitive advantage. Rather, companies are looking into a future where customer experience is king, and technology is its subordinate.

Mirka, renown Nordic high-quality surface finishing products and tools manufacturer, takes a trailblazer role in taking its industry forward. With its SurfValue ecosystem, the innovative family business brings digitalization to the traditional surface finishing industry, thus helping its customers increase productivity.

Entrepreneurship is perceived as an important tool for quickly reaching the UN's targets for sustainable development (SDG). In a feasibility study, IMCG will investigate how we can get more motivated intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs, who want to build and develop long-term businesses that address the sustainability targets – so-called "Impact Entrepreneurs".   

2019 CTO's of the year have been chosen by a jury of Finnish technology influencers.

CHRONICLE: I drive French. When it comes to cars, that is. A Renault. The model is called Grand Scenic and in a Blocket advert that attracted much attention, it is claimed that it means Serious Stroke, but I don't agree. For me, it means the great love affair. Like a pair of old tennis shoes. Or a pair of really worn-out jeans. A relationship that others can look down their noses at, but for oneself is deep, intimate and... yes, beautiful.

Text: Johan Emanuel, Project Manager, IMCG