How to develop business internationally through digitalisation and the data economy? This was the topic of discussion at the Digitalisation and data economy event organised by Business Finland and Business Oulu in Oulu on Tuesday 19.9.2023. The event was also attended by the Location Innovation Hub and other Finnish innovation hubs.

Around 100 people had gathered in the BusinessAsema for the event. In the opening speech, Pasi Vuorio, LastBot's founder, emphasised the significance of generative AI for financial development. The worldwide potential for growth could reach trillions of dollars. Vuorio also encouraged the audience to seize the opportunities of AI: anyone can already use ChatGPT as an assistant, for example, freeing up working time for other activities.

The second keynote was given by Saku Viita-aho, who is the Business Director at Futurice. He discussed how to shift your thinking and operations to yield higher value for business. Viita-Aho emphasized that while artificial intelligence speeds things up and reduces costs, the human mind is still superior at creative thinking.

Innovation hubs support businesses

The second part of the event provided examples of the support and assistance available for companies to develop their business. The four Finnish innovation hubs also introduced themselves: HealthHub Finland, FAIR, Robocoast and Location Innovation Hub. Together, we provide services such as consultancy, testbeds, help with access to finance and other support to help businesses grow and innovate.

"80% of all information contains location data. Utilizing this data can solve complex issues in society and boost productivity in various industries. The Location Innovation Hub brings together expertise on how to make the best use of geospatial technologies, precise positioning and location data. We have a wide network of partners", says project manager Antti Jakobsson. 

After the presentations, the afternoon continued with casual networking.

"The network of Business Finland and national actors is very important to us, and we also had the opportunity to connect with some interesting companies. Some of them will meet again at Geomob in November,” Jakobsson says.

Are you interested in improving your business with location data? Do you wonder whether your business could improve services or operations through, for example, precise positioning or new generation positioning technologies? Let us help, contact us.

• Welcome to learn more about how precise positioning can benefit various industries. Join us for "Tarkan paikannuksen tulevaisuus" event on 31st October 2023 in Helsinki.
• Location Innovation Hub's regional activities continue in Oulu in November: Geomob Finland on 9th November