The Centre of Expertise for Western Finland a 18 year journey from green field to Co-ordinator for the Finnish Energy Cluster and for the preparation of the Research Road Map 2015 of the Finnish Electricity Distribution Network

This presentation relates how the Technology Centre Merinova went from a green field start in 1989 to a leading Finnish Science and Technology Park in energy technology. For the past 18 years, Merinova has worked on energy technology projects in a carefully planned and orderly way. As a result Merinova became co-ordinator in the Finnish Energy Technology Cluster and it was given the responsibility of preparing the 10 year strategic research plan for Finnish power distribution networks. The keys to Merinova becoming a significant player in the field of Finnish Energy Technology research were:  Support from local public authorities and Vaasas strong export industryStrict focusing of activities and carrying them out in a systematic manner Skilled and experienced personnel Creation of the new science and technology laboratory and university level research re-sources in Vaasa University  National and international project co-operation\nEstablishing Vaasa Airport Park with 2700 employees