When Business Turku began planning the development of a new green technology hub, they turned to Gothenburg for inspiration and contacted us at Business Region Göteborg. We designed a tailored study visit that provided them with knowledge, connections, and concrete input, and which also became the starting point for a growing collaboration between the regions.
It was easy and uncomplicated to organize a study visit to the Gothenburg area with Business Region Göteborg. Communication was smooth and we also received material related to the visit in advance. We believe that this visit will also enable long-term cooperation between the Gothenburg Business Region and Business Turku in the future.
Background
Business Turku is a regional development organization in southwestern Finland that works to strengthen companies and innovation environments through collaboration between the public sector, research institutions, and industry.
In preparation for planning a new green innovation hub, they needed to deepen their understanding of how other regions successfully drive transition efforts. During their research, they identified Gothenburg as an inspiring example thanks to the region’s established collaboration model, where industry, academia, and public organizations work closely together.
This marked the starting point for contact with Business Region Göteborg — and the beginning of a close, ongoing exchange.
The establishment case
| Company: | Business Turku |
|---|---|
| Industry: | International trade and development |
| Challenge: | To understand how and why Gothenburg succeeds, and how they themselves could take the next step |
| Focus: | Green transition, bio- and circular economy, life science, food and nutrition |
| Result: | New contacts, concrete input for the hub’s development, increased understanding of Gothenburg’s model, continued collaborations, and a new delegation planned for spring 2026 this time including companies looking for business opportunities |
When we welcome international delegations, we create relationships that can lead to research collaborations, business opportunities, and long-term partnerships. The visit from Business Turku is an excellent example of how our region becomes more visible globally — and how our companies gain access to new opportunities.
Request
Business Turku wanted an overview of how a strong innovation environment functions in practice. They were looking for examples of regional green transition, insights into science parks and innovation districts, and meetings with researchers and companies in areas such as mobility and the circular economy. The visit was also intended to inspire their own hub initiative.
Solutions
Business Region Göteborg developed a tailored visit program based on the delegation’s needs. The program connected environments, people, and development projects across the entire region.
Results
The delegation returned home with new contacts, concrete ideas for their upcoming Green Tech Business & Innovation Hub, and a clearer understanding of how Gothenburg’s collaboration model works. The visit also opened up opportunities for future research exchanges and R&D projects.
Value impact
The collaboration laid the foundation for continued engagement. Dialogue has been maintained, and several shared areas of interest have been identified. The fact that a new delegation including companies is already planned for spring 2026 is a clear sign that the relationship is delivering results and opening up new business and innovation opportunities.
Working process
This program was developed to support Business Turku in their ambitions:
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Day 1 – Innovation and research
On the first day, Business Turku received an introduction to Gothenburg’s innovation and research landscape. They visited Business Region Göteborg for an overall briefing, continued to Lindholmen Science Park, and ended the day at Battery Center Gothenburg with a focus on battery technology and electrification.
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Day 2 – Innovation environments
The second day focused on Gothenburg’s innovation environments. The delegation first visited The Yard — BRG’s tech arena for technology-driven companies and startups — and then continued to Chalmers University of Technology for an in-depth look at how academia and industry collaborate to drive development.
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Day 3 – Testbeds
The third day focused on testbeds. The delegation visited SEEL – Swedish Electric Transport Laboratory, a leading test environment for electrified transport systems.
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Read more about site and study visits!
Get help from us!
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Meet Business Turku
Business Turku works to strengthen companies, innovation environments, and international collaborations in southwestern Finland. The organization runs development projects within green transition, marine technology, digitalization, and the industry of the future.
- Publicly funded development organization
- Strengthens company growth in the Turku region
- Supports the start-up, development, and internationalization of companies
- Attracts investments and new establishments
- Builds networks and innovation ecosystems
- Promotes sustainable business development
Contact us for more information
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Maria Leffler
Communications and International relations Contact me about: International delegations and site visits, Communications -
Katarina Clase
Business Developer Contact me about: International delegations and site visits
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Gothenburg’s strength lies in its combination of strategic location, strong industries, leading research, and an international labour market. Talent, development capacity, and sustainable growth meet here.
At Business Region Gothenburg, we provide knowledge, connections, and guidance to help you succeed in a region tailored for ambitious companies and investments.
Published: April 23, 2026