The Centre of Excellence for Comprehensive Security

The City of Kuopio began preparations in 2023 to establish a centre of expertise for comprehensive security in Kuopio. This work has been carried out in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Regional Council, local higher education institutions, the Emergency Services Academy, business organisations, and civil society actors.

Security for residents, vitality for businesses

Cities need new solutions to address global security challenges. There is a need to anticipate change, strengthen the resilience of operations, and support residents’ ability to withstand crises. The project’s measures will concretise the business opportunities that comprehensive security offers to innovation ecosystems at both national and international levels, while also improving capabilities in anticipating security threats.

Strong collaboration networks at regional, national and international levels

The aim is to develop an operating model for the Centre of Expertise in Comprehensive Security, enabling the expertise available in the region to be productised and translated into solutions at the national level, as well as applied within global networks. Developing this operating model requires close collaboration across networks. A key partner is the North Savo Comprehensive Security Cluster project, which is building a foundation for cooperation not only at the regional level but also across Eastern Finland.

As a result of the project, business opportunities and RDI activities have been promoted, new solutions for sustainable urban development have been identified and described, and a proposal for the operating model of the Centre of Expertise in Comprehensive Security has been produced, including its key contents. In addition, a roadmap for further development and proposals for follow-up projects have been created.

The Centre of Expertise in Comprehensive Security is a project funded by the European Union’s structural funds programme for 2024–2026. The project is led by Savonia University of Applied Sciences, with the City of Kuopio as a co-implementing partner. It forms part of the implementation of the innovation ecosystem agreement between the City of Kuopio and the Finnish government.

Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulun päähanke | eura2021.fi

Kuopion kaupungin osahanke | eura2021.fi

Driving regional vitality in Eastern Finland through stability, networks and innovation

The objective of the comprehensive security cluster is to ensure that Eastern Finland and its regions remain vibrant and adaptable under all circumstances. Vitality is built through close and innovative collaboration between individuals, businesses, research and educational institutions, organisations, and the public sector.

The comprehensive security cluster forms a permanent, cross-regional platform that brings together different actors. The partnership model encourages the sharing of expertise and the joint development of innovative solutions that enhance comprehensive security in a sustainable and competitiveness-driven way.

The expertise and strengths of different regions complement one another, strengthening the vitality and security of Eastern Finland in both the short and long term. A strong business-driven approach is central, as is linking comprehensive security work with the green transition and climate action.

The North Savo comprehensive security cluster is a project funded by the European Union’s structural funds programme for 2023–2026. Its aim is to establish and consolidate the cluster’s operations in a way that best serves the regions.

Kokonaisturvallisuuden klusteri | pohjois-savo.fi