Oulu is competing with Braga (Portugal) and Linz (Austria) for the title of most innovative European city in the category of cities with less than 250,000 inhabitants. The winner of the European Innovation Capital 2024 competition will be announced on 13 November in Lisbon, the Innovation Capital 2023.
The cities entered in the competition have been judged by top European urban development professionals. Among other things, the evaluation says the following about Oulu: “Oulu stands out as a city where innovation and nature coexist, creating a culture of innovation driven by curiosity and a commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.” Oulu’s application also drew attention to the targeting of innovation activities at different age groups, from kindergarten age to the elderly.
– I am very proud of our placement in the final. I believe that Oulu’s commitment to education, technology, the circular economy and inclusion will set us apart from the competition. We look forward to continuing this work! I would also like to congratulate the other finalists: we are creating a brighter future for Europe, said Ari Alatossava, Mayor of Oulu.
Juha Ala-Mursula, Director of BusinessOulu, is also delighted with the final place:
– Being in the top three in a tough competition is a great achievement and a great recognition of our well-functioning innovation ecosystem, he says.
Mika Penttilä, Director of Education and Culture in the City of Oulu, also commented on his area of expertise.
– STEAM, FabLab, and the Sustainable Development Learning Stream are excellent examples of how children and young people’s working life skills and sustainable development innovations can flourish. We are investing in the talent of the future in an innovative way, Penttilä said.
– This final place is proof that we are on the right track towards future skills and sustainable development, he continued.
In the city’s application, Oulu highlighted three main themes:
1) Skills for a sustainable future and continuous learning
2) Long history of cooperation and continuous development of the local R&D ecosystem
3) Co-creation and experimentation: The city as a testing platform for innovations
The finalist cities will receive a minimum of €50,000 in prize money, and the winner will be awarded €500,000.
The European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) Awards have two categories: European Capital of Innovation for cities with more than 250,000 inhabitants, and European Rising Innovative City.
Read the news from the organisers here.
For more information:
Maria Vuorensola
Programme Manager, Oulu Innovation Alliance
BusinessOulu, City of Oulu, Finland
tel. +358 40 7601288
maria.vuorensola@businessoulu.com