Finnish defence and security network highlights the significant role of Oulu’s technology expertise

DEFINE is important for Oulu because it elevates the city’s 6G and radio technology expertise as part of the national defence technology development. Oulu’s role strengthens Finland’s position as a global leader in wireless communications. The expansion supports Finnish defence-sector innovation and enables the creation of new products, services and business opportunities. The network also strengthens international connections, particularly NATO cooperation, where the University of Oulu’s 6G Test Centre plays a key role.

For Finland, DEFINE represents a new growth platform for the defence and security sector, whose importance is rapidly increasing due to the global security situation. The initiative opens opportunities for investments, exports and jobs throughout the country. The network therefore contributes to the development of critical technologies and to overall economic growth. As a whole, DEFINE is building a new, internationally significant defence innovation ecosystem for Finland.

Each city and organisation in the network has its own areas of expertise. Oulu is set to strengthen radio technology and 6G development. Concretely, this is advanced within the DEFINE network by the NATO DIANA 6G Test Centre led by the University of Oulu. The City of Oulu is also actively developing the defence and security sector together with the ecosystem through other projects, cluster development and cooperation at both national and international governmental levels. The main objective is to connect Oulu’s high‑tech companies with the defence sector market and to enhance end users’ defence capabilities through innovation.

“Through our 6G Test Centre and the DEFINE network, we are building a bridge between cutting‑edge research and the real needs of the defence sector. Our goal is that solutions developed in Oulu will serve the security of Finland and our allies, while generating new business and international growth. We operate our own 5G and 6G test network, which enables demanding and realistic field-testing and demonstration environments for future communication technologies through our partner network,” says Research Director Hannu Nikurautio from the University of Oulu.

The University of Oulu’s 6G Test Centre is part of NATO’s DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) test centre network. The DIANA programme aims to identify future challenges in the defence sector and develop innovative technological solutions in cooperation with companies, research institutions and other stakeholders. At the 6G Test Centre, customers gain access to world-class and rare radio-frequency measurement equipment. The centre operates its own 5G and 6G test network, enabling diverse and realistic testing and demonstration environments for future communication technologies.

“The Oulu region’s profile is nationally unique and internationally highly exceptional, and now our high‑tech expertise has been recognised and discovered also from the perspective of dual‑use technologies. We have established good dialogue with integrators and prime companies, and we are now jointly advancing the creation of a productised demo pathway. Ultimately, increased turnover will define the impact of our work,” says Jussi Leponiemi, ICT and Defence Sector Account Manager at BusinessOulu.

The City of Riihimäki is the leading implementer of the network’s national expansion. It also coordinates the network’s international activities and cooperation with NATO.
“Through nationwide cooperation, we are building DEFINE into a unique Finnish actor that meets the needs of the Defence Forces, NATO and the EU,” comments Riihimäki’s Mayor Jouni Eho.

“In Riihimäki, we are developing a testing and validation environment for growth companies focusing on data and artificial intelligence, to which Oulu’s expertise brings an important contribution, and collaboration has already begun,” says Teemu Seppälä, Riihimäki’s Director of Technology and Innovation and leader of the DEFINE network.