Turku Region - Common ground for knowledge and business

Turku region stands on centuries of cultural heritage

Turku is Finland's oldest city and has been the centre of important events for centuries. The city cherishes a valuable cultural heritage and is internationally known for the declaration of Christmas Peace that is televised in a number of European countries. This tradition dates back to 13th century and has continued almost unbroken to today.

Centre of training and research

Turku is gifted with concentration of expertise from the city's three universities, including the only Swedish-speaking university in the country. The educational and scientific resources are unique and exceptional in Finland and in the whold Baltic area.

The region's economy is strong and diverse. The Turku character is largely influenced by a tradition of trading since its founding days. This means a strongly rooted entrepreneurial culture and a focus on regional co-operation. The Turku Science Park is an example of the innovative spirit created through a regional network of business and educational institutions - three universities, 50 research centres, 13 500 experts, 750 companies, 100 start ups, linked together with the industry of the Turku business region with its 13 000 enterprises.

The diversity of the lines of business itself offers extensive opportunities for co-operation

A network of municipalities and companies co-operate in expanding the local core facilities and services. The educational and research institutions supply a continuous knowledge pool and expertise that breed the products of the future from biotechnology to shipbuilding. The life science sector is growing in Turku; every tenth life science company in Europe is Finnish, and the majority of these is located in the Turku region. The traditional industries of the region (foods, metal, logistics, textiles, publishing and graphic art) combined with leading-edge knowledge in ict and biotechnology are producing innovative solutions in functional foods, pharmaceutics and diagnostics, transport and maritime technologies, as well as in media and culture. A high proportion of Finland's exporting companies are located in the region.

Turku region is a popular destination for international congresses, trade fairs and cultural events. Music lovers are attracted by the many concerts and festivals of classical, jazz, pop and rock music. This lively cultural milieu is augmented by high-quality theatres and museums.

Accessibility

Known as the cradle of Finnish civilisation, Turku is only 160 km by road from Helsinki and 320 km by sea from Stockholm. The city is conveniently located on the Stockholm-Turku-Helsinki-St. Petersburg axis along the E 18 highway.



Connection from Turku to rest of Finland and abroad is excellent. Three-and-a-half million people travel through the Port of Turku every year. Some 300,000 travellers a year use Turku International Airport. Rail connections are particularly fast, especially the fast-trains that benefit from improved track between Turku and Helsinki.


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