Southwest Finland is aiming for growth, but how can it be achieved? What is the current state of the Finnish economy? The Working Life Forum brings together experts and stakeholders to explore opportunities and barriers to growth, drawing on insights from Sitra’s Growth Atlas, service innovations, and startup development.

The programme highlights key findings from the Growth Atlas, which presents hundreds of proposals for strengthening Finland’s economy and innovation capacity. Participants will also hear about an innovative service solution where artificial intelligence supports real estate professionals in their daily work. In addition, the event will provide updates from the newly established Turku Startup Hub and the region’s startup ecosystem.

The event is organised by Business Turku, the City of Turku, the Southwest Finland Foresight Academy and the InnoTurku project. The forum offers opportunities for discussion, networking and the exchange of ideas on innovation, research, development and future growth.

Programme

13:00 Opening Remarks
Business Turku. Afternoon coffee will be served.

13:30–14:30 Sitra’s Growth Atlas Meets Southwest Finland

Matti Paavonen, Chief Economist, Sitra
Presents key themes from the Growth Atlas publication and discusses innovation, barriers to growth, and the Finnish Government’s Growth Agreement.

Timo Aro, Director of Strategy, City of Turku
Provides commentary on the current and future growth outlook for Southwest Finland and opens the discussion with participants.

Time will also be reserved for brief audience questions and comments.

14:30–15:00 Service Innovation: AI is Transforming Real Estate Brokerage

An AI platform helps real estate agents prepare for property valuation visits, review documents and make use of market data. What opportunities does it offer and what experiences have been gained so far?

15:00 Comments and Discussion

Commentary from the Higher Education RDI Sector

Turku Startup Hub Opened Last Week
What is happening in the regional startup ecosystem, and what kind of idea won the Turku Startup Prize competition?

Jussi Pyysalo, Director, Turku Startup Hub

15:30 Closing Remarks

15:30–16:00 Networking, Refreshments and Light Snacks

Welcome!