Central Finland is a strong region for industry and digital technologies. The region’s leading industrial companies (from the forest, energy, paper, wood products and technology industries) account for a significant proportion of export earnings. Industry renewal is one of the most important key sectors in the region, with resource-wise and carbon-neutral production and manufacturing technologies, new material and circular economy solutions, utilisation of cyber-secure digital solutions, modern product design and development, and robotics and automation at its core.  Key themes also include 3D printing, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital twins and virtual testing environments, and experts of the new era.

Eteläportti, the most modern digital service hub for the manufacturing industry in Europe, is to be constructed in Jyväskylä by 2030. Located south of the city, the area provides an operating environment for around 60 growth companies in industries and cross-sectors that are motivated to stay at the forefront of digitalisation, robotics, artificial intelligence and the circular economy.

City of Jyväskylä Business Development Services aims to accelerate smart manufacturing and the green and digital transitions and to create the conditions for the realisation of Industry 5.0. The work is carried out by matching actors, bringing in funding and facilitating networks, which will create a framework for joint development and solution work between different actors in the region, such as universities, educational and research institutions, public sector actors and companies.