Tampere and Lviv: Connecting two dynamic business and innovation regions

On 17 September, Finnpartnership’s Regional Coordinator in Ukraine, Tetiana Filipovych, attended the opening of the new Business Tampere office in Lviv.

The opening brought together nearly 100 participants, including Finnish and Ukrainian companies, business consultants, public authorities and Team Finland representatives in Ukraine, among them Finland’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Tarja Fernández. More than an official opening, the event provided an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and build new business connections. Several companies that have received Finnpartnership’s Business Partnership Support were also represented at the event.

Earlier this year, a Business Tampere delegation visited Lviv, met Mayor Andriy Sadovyi and learned more about the local business environment and opportunities in the region. In early September, the exchange continued in the other direction, when representatives of the Projects Office of the Lviv City Council and Lviv media visited Tampere to learn more about the region and meet local companies.

Region-to-region matchmaking

Tampere is one of Finland’s leading industrial and technology hubs, with particularly strong expertise in advanced manufacturing, intelligent machines and automation, health technology, clean and circular economy solutions, defence and dual-use technologies.

Lviv, in turn, is developing into an active business and innovation centre. The region has welcomed businesses and production facilities relocated from eastern Ukraine and has a strong technology sector, universities and a growing network of international organisations.

Bringing these two ecosystems together takes matchmaking beyond individual companies and creates a broader platform for region-to-region business cooperation. Business Tampere is the economic development agency of the Tampere City Region, owned by eight municipalities. With its new presence in Lviv, Business Tampere provides companies from the Tampere region with a local point of contact to explore opportunities in Ukraine and connect with potential partners. It also supports Ukrainian companies and research organisations looking for partners, expertise and business connections within the Tampere ecosystem. Business Tampere’s contact person in Lviv is Country Manager Minna Tihinen (minna.tihinen@businesstampere.com)

Grant funding for initiating business

For Finnpartnership, the opening event provided an opportunity to strengthen relations between Finnish and Ukrainian companies and to support businesses that are already taking their first steps towards sustainable business in Ukraine.

With the help of the financial grant, Finnish companies can explore market opportunities and build relationships with potential partners in Ukraine. These early steps can lay a strong foundation for future business and cooperation in Ukraine. Companies interested in Finnpartnership’s grant funding can contact Tetiana at:

Tetiana Filipovych

Regional Coordinator – Ukraine

tetiana.filipovych@finnpartnership.fi +380 (0)67 551 9265