Culminatum, Helsinki Region Centre of Expertise has recognised the growing importance of KIBS as one of the fastest growing and dynamic sectors of economy. Services in general and KIBS sector especially is becoming the main source of GDP growth for modern economies. KIBS sector plays also central role in creating and transferring innovations and knowledge thus improving competitiveness of enterprises throughout the economy.

In 2005 Culminatum conducted a study on knowledge intensive business services in Uusimaa region. The first part of the study consisted of a statistical survey which in addition to regional data included some comparative material from other metropolitan regions in Europe. The second part of the study focused on the relationship between KIBS and innovation: how KIBS could support industries based on emerging technologies.

A regional development programme, KIBS project, was established based on the results of the study. The KIBS project initiates pilot projects which aim at creating best practices, business development tools and case studies.

KIBS project focuses on three main themes:

KIBS project activities and business development services are aimed at knowledge intensive business service companies with potential for growth and internationalisation. KIBS sector covers technical services including R&D services, legal services, accounting and auditing, advertising and marketing, design, management consulting, and IT services.

"Improving competitiveness and performance of service companies through productisation" pilot will take place in fall 2006. The project aims at helping companies in defining their service portfolio and implementing service productisation as part of their key processes.

The KIBS project is financed by Uusima Regional Council and Employment and Economic Development Centre for Uusima.

Culminatum Ltd Oy
Finland
Ms. Irma Patala (Project director), tel. +358 40 5268682

01/01/2005

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Business support, Specific sectors