Growth from Data Economy in Uusimaa (DATASTEP)

This project focuses on solving data availability challenges for new business needs, for example, through European data spaces, and on leveraging data to accelerate the growth of small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs). Data availability and usability are key challenges in developing new business within the SME sector.

The project supports the development of businesses with the potential to succeed internationally. A key challenge in the data economy for businesses is the development of export operations. The project provides companies with access to test infrastructures, such as sandboxes, for developing new business both in Finland and Europe. We utilize the test infrastructure offerings of Finland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), as well as the broader EDIH network. Additionally, we offer resources from AI Factories and European Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs).

The project also promotes skills development and data maturity assessment. Key tools include the DMAT tool from the EDIH network and TIEKE’s data maturity assessment tool. Research, development, and innovation (RDI) actors in Uusimaa will receive training on using these tools and on the EDIH services available to businesses.

This project supports and develops existing regional European Digital Innovation Hubs, including the Finnish AI Region EDIH and the Location Innovation Hub EDIH, in line with the Renewing and Competent Finland 2021–2027 programme.

The project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The responsible managing authority for the funding is the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council.