The project continues and implements the ecosystem agreement between the City of Joensuu and the Finnish government for 2021–2027. It is part of a broader parallel project framework to realize this agreement, including parallel projects by the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Karelia University of Applied Sciences, the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), and the City of Joensuu. The main goal of this project is to strengthen the innovation ecosystems of Startup Joensuu, Photonics Joensuu, and Forest Joensuu, promoting RDI-driven business, sustainable growth, internationalization, leadership, and networking among companies and stakeholders. The project is divided into five work packages (WP): WP1 Startup Joensuu: This work package organizes regular meetings with four cooperation groups. An annual Future Forum supports the region's RDI-startup activities, and four AI-assisted innovation workshops generate new business ideas. The Sohjo Hacks hackathon is established as a local innovation competition. A physical space concept is designed to foster community between startups and public actors, and five research-based business initiatives receive systematic support. International collaboration brings a significant partner, enhancing RDI funding opportunities. RDI activities in the area are increasingly international, and network-building strengthens the region's competitiveness and attractiveness. WP2 Photonics Joensuu: This work package develops a service concept for the Photonics Manufacturing Center, enhancing Green Park's services. The innovation ecosystem sees 3–4 new company placements. Joensuu hosts 5–6 tailored orientation programs for photonics companies and delegations, along with an event celebrating 55 years of photonics expertise in the area. A total of 5–10 photonics companies interested in the city’s forest development sites are identified and matched with other companies and RDI actors. Awareness of the city’s procurement processes among photonics companies is increased through innovative public procurements. WP3 Forest Joensuu: As a result of this work package, 1–2 companies make placement decisions in the industrial parks. Participation in national and international events highlights the parks’ potential to 5–10 companies. To develop bioeconomy RDI environments, 5–10 companies are identified as potential partners in the city’s forest development initiatives. Innovative public procurement increases bioeconomy companies’ awareness of the city’s procurement processes. To support export growth, visit programs for 10–12 delegations with around 40 local companies are arranged, and the Forest Joensuu 2025 event is held. Participation in 4–6 international events and benchmark trips strengthens exports. Market studies are conducted for two new markets outside Europe, and 3–4 companies open new international markets. WP4 Communication: This work package establishes the Innovation Joensuu brand in the Innocities network and Business Joensuu’s channels, with the innovationjoensuu.fi landing page as the ecosystem's platform. A renewed material bank allows for tailored communications. Newsletters are published featuring the innovation ecosystem and company successes in the region. Startup Joensuu’s brand awareness grows through 3–5 reference stories and media coverage in national and international media. Photonics Joensuu publishes 3–5 company and placement stories and launches social media campaigns gaining national and international attention. Forest Joensuu focuses on export openings and company stories, visible in social media and international events. Communication materials support the development of Industry Joensuu business areas. WP5 Co-development and Coordination: This work package develops a future-oriented growth strategy for Innocity Joensuu and operating plans for Photonics Joensuu and Forest Joensuu. Effective cooperation between actors produces new project ideas, investments, startup opportunities, export growth, and the utilization of business financing. Additionally, a development plan for the Photonics Joensuu and Forest Joensuu innovation ecosystems is created, along with an assessment of suitable EU-level indicators and quality systems to measure the impact of Photonics and Forest Innovation Groups. The WP5 measures are implemented through cooperation between stakeholders, so a corresponding work package with these measures is also included in the applications of other stakeholders, which together form a parallel project framework.