The Comprehensive Security Cluster North Savo

The goal of the Comprehensive Security Cluster is to ensure that Eastern Finland and its regions remain viable and capable of renewal in all circumstances. Vitality grows from close and innovative cooperation between individuals, companies, research and educational institutions, organizations and the public sector.

Aligned with the Finnish Comprehensive Security model and NATO’s Multi Domain Operations concept, the Comprehensive Security Cluster aims at regionally safeguarding the vital functions of society. The central focus is in strengthening the economy, infrastructure, and security of supply at the regional level. North Savo’s economy is reformed by cluster activities as they steer development work and RDI resources, aiming to improve business life's adaptability to change, the security of supply in regional value chains, and the operational capacity of critical infrastructures.

North Savo’s defined Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) priorities align with core elements of building and maintaining a secure and resilient region, such as Machine and Energy Technology, Food Systems, Wellbeing Technology, Smart Water Systems, and Bio and Circular Economy. Comprehensive Security has been selected as one of the four cross-cutting S3 themes. Improving defence and dual-use related industry capabilities in regional networks is the central focus of this cross-cutting theme. 

A strong business-oriented approach to our operations and linking comprehensive security work to the green transition and climate work are particularly important. We are actively participating in the development of an ambitious European vide programme ResilEast. ResilEast is based on the premise that good international cooperation and innovative investments can simultaneously increase both defence capability and economic productivity while reducing overall costs and environmental impacts.

The Comprehensive Security Cluster is a member of ENDR

The Comprehensive Security Cluster North Savo joined the European Network of Defence-related Regions in June 2025. The aim of the Network’s activities is to increase the uptake of successful applications of defence-related projects in accessing EU funding, thereby contributing to the competitiveness of SMEs.

The Comprehensive Security Cluster strengthens the regional business ecosystems which are formed around the strong cutting-edge companies in, for example, Machine and Energy Technology and Food Systems. These business ecosystems form a core for the region’s vital impact on National Security. Other regional spreadheads, such as Smart Water Systems, Wellbeing Technology, and Bio and Circular Economy function interconnectedly with these core activities.

The strong academic and applied research, especially in the fields of photonics, toxicology, and border studies, form a robust foundation for knowledge driven development of cluster activities.

In addition to regional level activities, the cluster is involved in cross-regional and national initiatives related to building resilience and comprehensive security in Finland. The over-arching vision is to bring Finnish competence in the field to an international level together with other regions and national actors.

Contact: Project Lead Dr. Harriet Lonka, harriet.lonka@pohjois-savo.fi

The North Savo Comprehensive Security Cluster is a project funded by the European Union's Structural Funds Programme for 2023–2026. Its aim is to consolidate the cluster's activities in a way that best serves the individual regions and the Eastern Finland as a whole. 

Key Collaborators
Federation for enterprises in Savo Region, CEO Paula Aikio-Tallgren, paula.aikio-tallgren@yrittajat.fi
The Centre of Excellence for Comprehensive Security, Project Leader Dr. Pia Viklund, pia.viklund@savonia.fi Kokonaisturvallisuudenosaamiskeskus
ResilEast Programme, coordinator Mr. Jari Sistonen, U-Cont Ltd, jari.sistonen@u-cont.fi ResilEast in English – ResilEast
Sustainable Technology Competence Center, KESTECH https://kestech.fi/en/front-page/
Energy Cluster North Savo https://energyclusternorthsavo.fi/en/home/
Agri-Food Cluster North Savo https://agrifoodclusterns.fi/en/
Kuopio Water Cluster https://kuopiowatercluster.com/