Finnish companies active in innovation activities – demand for Tekes funding increased
In 2009 companies in Finland applied for a total of 682 million euros R&D funding from Tekes. The amount is one-third more than in 2008. The large increase demonstrates the willingness of companies to modernise in order to overcome the recession.
The sectors that posted the highest growth in demand for funding were the energy, environment, service, food, metal and construction industries.
“Funding through Tekes increased by almost 100 million euros in 2009. Demand increased even faster, however, so the competition for Tekes funding intensified. The growth in demand also suggests that companies are having difficulties financing their R&D projects,” comments Veli-Pekka Saarnivaara, Director General of Tekes.
In 2009 Tekes invested 343 million euros in R&D and innovation activities of companies and 236 million euros in public research carried out by universities, polytechnics and research institutes.
Service sectors account for half of funding, non-technical development for over 40 percent
Services and non-technical content continued to account for a growing share of R&D funding by Tekes. In 2009 half of the funding allocated for companies by Tekes went to the service sector. Non-technical content, such as the development of business expertise, service models, operating processes, organisational methods, working life and design, accounted for over 40 percent of total funding. Funding for energy, climate and environmental projects increased to over 40 percent.
Over 40 percent of the R&D projects funded by Tekes involve international cooperation. One of the tasks of Tekes is to promote the internationalisation of the research, development and innovation activities of Finnish companies and research organisations.
Completed projects created products, services and expertise
In 2009 more than 1,500 projects funded by Tekes were completed. As a result of the work performed by our customers, over 1,200 products, services or processes were created in these projects. In addition, the projects produced over 700 patent applications and almost 800 academic theses.
In the long term the effects will be seen in the expansion and internationalisation of Finnish companies, new business activities, a rise in wellbeing and overall economic growth. Many projects will also have a positive impact on the climate and environment.
SMEs attract the majority of funding
Over 60 percent of the funding allocated for companies went to SMEs and almost 90 percent to companies with less than 500 employees.
A total of 31 new companies were accepted to the funding programme for young innovative growth companies. Altogether 50 companies are participating in this programme, which was introduced in 2008 and is being implemented together with private venture capital investors. This funding is intended for small start-up companies with viable plans and resources for international growth.