AIKA 2 – Advancing the digital innovation hub ecosystem in Kainuu

The main objective of the AIKA 2 project is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in
Kainuu and the broader business network in Northern and Eastern Finland in their transition to
the digital era. The sub-objectives of the project include:
• Continuing the development of the AIKA service portfolio to meet the needs of local
businesses, with a focus on data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other current
digitalization technologies.
• Improving the adoption of technology and competitiveness in local SMEs through a “test before
investment” service focused on digitalization.
• Strengthening regional development by identifying similar areas and innovation clusters and
building international collaborations with them. Through benchmarking regional economic
impact, the project aims to share best practices and increase international networking in the
Kainuu region.
• Implementing the AIKA Training Academy, providing regular and diverse training to the
project’s target groups on the possibilities, tools, and impacts of digitalization, along with
success stories and examples.
• Disseminating the project’s results widely to the target groups, utilizing the project’s training
and events, AIKA website and social media, communication channels of the implementers,
traditional media, and newsletters. 
 
The AIKA 2 project aims to comprehensively address the goals of digital transition, increased business productivity and strengthening workforce skills. The collaboration between Kajaani University of Applied Sciences and CSC will evolve, offering new opportunities for businesses, and the expertise of the implementers in data and digitalization will further strengthen. The project’s work packages will pilot artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance business productivity, seek new knowledge from abroad, and organize easily accessible training in the Kainuu region. Thus, the content of the project aligns with the diverse requirements of supporting digital transition, with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other current digitalization methods in business.
 
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences implements the project with CSC. The project will be carried out from 2024 to 2027.