The RDI actors of the Oulu Region are continuously preparing regional, national and international RDI project applications and looking for opportunities to join project consortiums with the aim of advancing digitalisation and automation of the agri-food value chains. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to traceability and food safety in food value chains, collection and utilisation of data throughout food value chains, and digitalisation and automation of food production processes.
Priority areas of regional organisations in relation to agri-food value chains:
- Council of Oulu Region
- support and coordination in processes and regional financing
- Oulu University of Applied Sciences
- Developing the processing of data accumulated in production processes via artificial intelligence and machine learning. Automation of production processes using e.g. robotics. Developing and experimenting with new solutions in cooperation with Arctic Drone Labs and PrinLab or the Development Laboratory for Printed Intelligence.
- Developing business operations and profitability of food value chains.
- Promoting:
- energy self-sufficiency solutions, e.g. hybrid power generation systems of biomass, wind and solar
- rural hybrid energy solutions in particular
- biogas production and use
- Climate-smart agriculture as a promoter of biodiversity and circular economy. Nutrient recycling and organic fertilizers.
- Multiple use of forests and the role of forests in the green transition.
- Integration of student resources into RDI activities and updating education via RDI collaboration results.
- Centria University of Applied Sciences
- Develops, tests and demonstrates digital solutions in many business areas, particularly in agriculture. Main topics in research are:
- IoT solutions with new sensors (NIR nutrient analysis, mmWave radars, UWB etc.)
- Communication; sensor networks, 5G (mobile base stations with MEC available), ISOBUS and EFDI communication, data spaces and connectors
- UAV/UGV solutions for autonomous missions, pilot license training and new drone HW platforms and payloads
- Cybersecurity, data analytics and AI
- Long experience in European projects (Horizon, ECSEL/KDT, Eureka, Interreg etc.), also as coordinator
- Hosts Rural Industry DIH
- Develops, tests and demonstrates digital solutions in many business areas, particularly in agriculture. Main topics in research are:
- ProAgria Oulu /Rural Women’s Advisory Organization
- Providing an extensive network of specialists and a wide range of services targeted at rural enterprises. The enterprises vary from farms to other rural businesses – from farm to fork.
- Our strengths include the close access to both farmers and agroindustries. We provide a valuable resource for multi-stakeholder initiatives. In international projects, we represent the Northern European perspective with our extensive experience.
For more information and inquiries, please contact:
- Council of Oulu Region: Project Manager Saija Tikkanen: saija.tikkanen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi, tel. +358 40 6854 044
- Oulu University of Applied Sciences: Senior Lecturer and Team Leader of Low-Carbon Food Chains Satu Välijärvi: satu.valijarvi@oamk.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 486 3577 and Project Manager Marja-Liisa Järvelä: marja-liisa.jarvela@oamk.fi, tel. +358 40 674 8344
- Centria University of Applied Sciences: RDI Manager Mikko Himanka: mikko.himanka@centria.fi, tel. +358 44 449 2537
- ProAgria Oulu: Food Advisor and Project Manager Kaisa Myllykangas: kaisa.myllykangas@proagria.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 0399 865
Our region is currently a member of e.g. the following international partnerships and networks:
- ERIAFF – European Regions for Innovation in Agriculture, Food and Forestry
- Partnerships of the EU’s Smart Specialisation Platform for Agri-Food:
- Traceability and Big Data
- High Tech Farming
