Clusters
Lapland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy guides the development cooperation models based on the needs of the companies and other end users and the utilisation of RDI networks that strengthen the priorities.
The development of business-based cooperation models involves, for example, cluster activities. Lapland’s smart specialisation clusters are to be subject to the following criteria:
- The development of cluster operations to orient them to business requires that companies are involved in the cluster whose participation can be verified (by, e.g. partnership agreements)
- The cluster should have a duly appointed director
- The cluster should have a strategy and execution plan
- The cluster must generate a minimum of two activities per year for its members (events, services, production of information, etc.)
- In the management of the cluster and in planning activities and services, business needs should be taken into account
- The cluster should maintain regular dialogue and co-operation between the cluster’s actors (especially companies)
- The cluster must have its own website and provide a clear, practically attainable description of what the cluster offers
- The cluster’s operations are to be evaluated on a regular basis
Arctic Sport Cluster
The Arctic Sport Cluster aims to help companies in the sports, fitness and wellbeing sector grow and develop new products and services. The location in the Arctic region and the Ounasvaara Living Lab in Rovaniemi support the cluster’s role as a centre for the development of sports and wellbeing.
The cluster work is supported by the European Smart Specialisation Thematic Partnership ClusSport, which aims to strengthen the sports and physical activity sectors at EU level. The partnership not only brings regions together, but also regional clusters, which brings together a wide range of stakeholders in the sports and related sectors. The cluster has received the developing cluster Bronze status from The European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis ESCA in 2026.
Niko Niemisalo, Project Manager at Santasport Lapland Sports Institute, is responsible for the operation and development of the Arctic Sport Cluster in cooperation with various actors.
Arctic Sport Cluster | Santasport
Arctic Industrial Circular Economy Cluster
In the Finnish Lapland, the operations of the Industrial Circular Economy Cluster are managed by the Circular Economy Centre. The purpose of the activities is to create growth and new markets for the companies belonging to the cluster, as well as networks that support these goals. In addition, the cluster organizes various meetings,networking opportunities, and annual events for its members.
The Cluster supports companies in developing, growing, and strengthening their capabilities within the circular economy and industrial ecosystems. Cluster’s services are designed to help businesses identify opportunities, build competence, accelerate innovation, and increase visibility.
Success has not been accidental; the Circular Economy Center has been systematically built over the years through close collaboration with various stakeholders, nationally within the network of the eco-industrial parks, and internationally within the Circular Economy EU Alliance. An example of this work is the Gold Label awarded to the cluster by The European Secretariat of Cluster Analysis ESCA in 2026.
The operations and development of the cluster are overseen by the Director of the Circular Economy Center, Tuomas Pussila, in collaboration with various stakeholders.