The HEVinnovations - Helsinki metropolitan ecosystems project creates a framework for the implementation of the Helsinki Capital Region Ecosystem Agreement in the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa during the years of 2024-2027. The project aims for the qualitative development of the four thematic areas of the ecosystem agreement: - Smart and sustainable urban solutions; - Well-being and health technology; - New learning environments and EdTech solutions; - New ventures and general ecosystem development, as well as the development of the experimental environments and platforms. In addition, the project supports a stronger networking of the region's RDI stakeholders and the creation of cross-cutting innovations that support the green transition and bring added value to the region's innovation ecosystems, business life and RDI networks alike. PROJECT ACTIVITIES The project coordinates and implements the ecosystem agreement to create conditions for a world-class cluster of expertise and innovation. The project ensures a meaningful development of the project portfolio and the birth of projects that contribute to the goals of the ecosystem agreement. The project is divided into six work packages; - Project management and coordination, - Support for applicants and new projects, - RDI stakeholder cooperation, - Capital region project portfolio, - Knowledge-based ecosystem development, incl. development of working methods and - Communication and marketing. STAKEHOLDERS AND COOPERATION One of the key tasks of the coordination project is to bring RDI stakeholders together. Stakeholders include businesses, research institutes, higher education institutions, business networks, public organizations and foundations. The project also promotes cooperation within the project portfolio itself. The project also cooperates with the InnoCities network, Business Finland, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland; the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council and the Council of Tampere Region. EXPECTED RESULTS During the program period of 2021–2027, a 30MEUR project portfolio will be built, innovation and competence centers in the region will grow, cities become more agile co-developers, and cooperation between the three cities will become more active and open. The three cities implement the project as a single entity, so as to avoid working in silos. The project will create common operating models for the region that can be applied also after the program period. Project portfolio participants increase their expertise in regional cooperation and project preparation, producing regionally impactful projects. Innovation networks in the capital region become stronger and the RDI stakeholders will together create a more systemic view of future development needs and business opportunities. In addition, innovation activities will become more inclusive and open in the future. The long-term impact of the project portfolio arises from individual projects as well as from the interaction between projects, synergies and cumulative results. In the future, the resources of the cities can also be linked more effectively to boost the growth and competitiveness of the region. Product and service innovations that support sustainable growth are created in the four thematic areas, and also applied in the city organizations where possible. In addition, the development culture will be strengthened in the capital region altogether. The recognition of the capital region as a promoter and a platform for innovation will also grow both nationally and internationally. The project responds to the sustainability challenges identified in the ecosystem agreement's four thematic areas and supports the development of new, low-carbon solutions in accordance with Helsinki-Uusimaa region's smart specialization strategy, benefiting not only RDI stakeholders but also the capital region, and thus the residents of the Helsinki-Uusimaa region.