Novia’s project gave archipelago businesses new networks

Between 2016 and 2019, Novia University of Applied Sciences brought together more than 180 entrepreneurs from the Turku Archipelago, Åland, and the Stockholm Archipelago in a major international initiative: Archipelago Business Development.
The goal was to develop new business models, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and create a more vibrant year-round archipelago life.

185 entrepreneurs and 12 new business models

The project engaged 185 entrepreneurs and 220 participants through workshops, seminars, and networking events. In addition, more than 200 students contributed with course assignments and theses that provided valuable insights for local companies.

The outcome: 12 new business models and eight startups, about half of which are still active today. Examples include joint service packages where companies collaborate to offer complete experiences, new accommodation concepts, and recruitment services.

“The true value was showing entrepreneurs that they are not alone – that others face similar challenges and that solutions can be found together,” says Project Manager Annemari Andrésen, Senior Lecturer in Business Administration at Novia.

A hotel on Kökar explores new concepts

One participant, Natalie Björk, has since 2017 run Brudhäll Hotel and Restaurant on Kökar.

“For me, networking was the most important part. The project gave me at least eight new local business contacts that we still maintain and benefit from,” she says.

Together with a shipping entrepreneur from Turku, Björk is now planning trips from Aura River to Seili and onwards to Kökar.

“The journeys offer a complete package, including direct boat transport from Aura River, visits in the Turku Archipelago, two nights on Kökar, high-quality meals, sauna, and guided tours. Through the project, I’ve gained the confidence to believe in my development ideas.”

Lapland showed the way for collaboration

A highlight of the project was a benchmarking trip to Lapland, where archipelago entrepreneurs were inspired by how local actors had built strong brands and cooperation packages.

“Participants realized that collaboration is not competition. It is a way to strengthen the entire region,” says Andrésen.

In addition to study visits, workshops were offered in areas such as digital marketing, taxation, and pricing. Many participants highlighted the long-term networking as one of the greatest benefits.

Building a foundation for continued growth

The project laid the groundwork for several ongoing collaborations, including a partnership between Novia and Drivhuset, a Nordic organization that supports entrepreneurs in developing their ideas.

Novia itself has also built on the experiences, developing new initiatives for small and medium-sized businesses in the archipelago.

Next step: year-round tourism

The project was funded by Interreg Central Baltic and the Regional Council of Southwest Finland, and carried out in collaboration with Södertörn University, Åbo Akademi and Drivhuset.

The ongoing project Light in the Dark continues in the same spirit, with additional Baltic partners. Its goal: to attract more visitors to coastal regions and rural areas in the northern Baltic Sea, not only in summer but throughout the entire year.

Facts: Archipelago Business Development

• Period: 1.10.2016–30.9.2019
• Coordinator: Novia University of Applied Sciences
• Focus: Business development of archipelago companies
• Campus: Turku
• Funders: Interreg Central Baltic, Regional Council of Southwest Finland
• Partners: Södertörn University, Drivhuset, Åbo Akademi
• Participants: 185 entrepreneurs, 220 seminar/workshop participants
• Students: 200+ course and thesis works
• Results: 12 new business models, 8 startups (about half still active), long-term networks and collaborations
• Follow-up: Ongoing project Light in the Dark develops nature-based low-season tourism in the northern Baltic Sea region

Our RDI Spotlight highlights the lasting impact of Novia University of Applied Sciences' research, development, and innovation (RDI) efforts on the world around us.