Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still at an early stage in using data effectively. Companies are often not aware of the opportunities created by the data economy, the rights provided by EU regulations, or the practical solutions that European data spaces offer for accessing and sharing data. This slows down the creation of new business, especially solutions that could scale internationally.
In Uusimaa, this is reflected in the relatively small number of companies with strong international growth potential. Without more data-driven startups and growth companies, the region risks losing its attractiveness as a location for technology-driven business, while data-based innovation and growth increasingly take place elsewhere.
By actively supporting companies in using data, testing data-driven solutions, and accessing different data sources, Uusimaa can strengthen SME export business and improve the region’s attractiveness to international actors.
Data-driven growth for SMEs with DATASTEP
The DATASTEP project strengthens data economy skills among SMEs in the Uusimaa region and supports the practical use of data in business operations. The goal is to help companies develop data-driven business models with real potential for international success.
The project provides SMEs with training, data maturity assessments, and practical tools for using data in their business. Companies will also gain access to a wide range of Finnish and European test infrastructures — including the EDIH network, AI Factories, and European Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) — where they can test and develop data-driven solutions.
RDI actors supporting data-driven development in SMEs
RDI actors (research, development and innovation organisations) that work closely with SMEs play an important role in promoting data-driven business.
By training RDI actors, DATASTEP strengthens their expertise in EDIH services and the available resources, enabling them to advise and support companies more effectively.
In the longer term, the project will strengthen the capacity of companies and RDI actors in the Uusimaa region to leverage the data economy as a source of competitiveness and growth.
Project activities
The project will:
- Organise training sessions and webinars on data-driven business for SMEs.
- Develop a shared service path and operating model for supporting SMEs with data-related needs within the Uusimaa RDI network.
- Train RDI actors on the services of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) Network and other available resources.
- Further develop the Data Maturity Assessment to cover data spaces and data sharing.
- Organise the ‘Data as an Engine for Growth in Uusimaa’ festival twice in cooperation with Data Spaces Alliance Finland (4 February 2027 and 2028)
- Publish three guides or mappings
- A guide to data spaces for SMEs
- European data access points and how to use them
- Test platforms, sandboxes, and support services for the data economy.
Growth from the Data Economy in Uusimaa (DATASTEP)
The DATASTEP – Growth from the data economy in Uusimaa project helps small and medium-sized enterprises to leverage data, accelerating their growth and internationalisation. DATASTEP guides SMEs to domestic and international services and testing environments and supports them in developing data competences and assessing data maturity.
Additionally, DATASTEP trains RDI actors on the services of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) Network and other available resources.
Project duration
1 January 2026 – 30 April 2028
Project partners
The project is coordinated by the National Land Survey of Finland. Project partners include the City of Helsinki, The Foundation for Finnish Inventions, TIEKE, and Yrkeshögskolan Arcada Ab.
Funding
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council.
Further information
- Project website
- Project Manager: Marko Mikkonen
