Is an entrepreneur born or made? Does the theory work in practice? Networks – possibility for rural areas? Entrepreneurship and innovation - what is needed in the future? The aim of this conference is to inspire discussion between academics, public organisations and entrepreneurs. On the other hand, it gives great opportunities to create new networks.

Oulu Southern Institute and Learning and Research Services at the University of Oulu organize the conference together with Oulu Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, which is the leading business organisation in Finland. The conference is related to the work done in the BEPART (www.bepart.info) and EKIE (www.ekie.net) projects, which have received funding under the INTERREG III C programme.