“The University is a Catalyst for Business Growth”
25.11.2025
LADEC’s CEO Tomi Tura opens the themes of Häme Chamber of Commerce’s anniversary year from the perspective of the Lahti region: the future, growth and cooperation.
The Future Needs Talent
LUT University has, over the past five years, taken increasingly firm root in Päijät-Häme. This also means new kinds of opportunities for the business world. Next year the LUT School of Business and Management will open its doors in Lahti. Growing companies will have even better access to highly educated talent. And the knock-on effects should not be forgotten: beneficiaries often include SMEs providing subcontracting services to larger companies.
A classic job interview question: Where do you see yourself in five years?
In urban development, five years is a very short time, but looking back, an enormous amount has happened in our region in that period. Companies have invested significant sums here. This year alone, we have reported on Fazer’s €400 million investment in its chocolate factory and DayOne’s €1.2 billion investment in a data centre. A five‑year leap is perhaps also suitable when looking ahead. By then, the investments will have materialised and created jobs, meaning that in 2030 we will certainly be moving both forward and upward.
Lahti will become an even larger and more attractive student city, benefiting the entire region. As a relatively new area of development, I believe the software sector will strengthen its position here. We will attract software professionals, as exciting software development is continually taking place in growing companies. In the 1990s, we fell slightly behind the strong competence-driven growth seen elsewhere, even though the Lahti region has long been home to significant technology companies. That is now history and the future looks at least dynamic when viewed from Finland’s newest university city.
“Every leading company in our region started small. I believe that in the future, the software sector in particular will strengthen its position in the Lahti region.”
Growth requires courage
Fuel for growth can already be found from this glance into the future. Globally, there are many examples of how a city’s vitality has increased with the boost provided by a university.
Our region is now fertile ground for growth‑oriented companies that have courage. Courage is certainly required when setting determined growth targets. Growth ambition cannot be coded externally into a business ID, but support can be provided. And LADEC offers that support to companies by every possible means. We provide coaching in the early stages of the growth path and at its pain points. We guide companies into networks and match partners. We find out information, share insights and perspectives.
There are around 14,000 companies in our region, and naturally not all can be high‑growth firms. It is important to remember that every company in the region is valuable. Without a diverse business landscape, growth cannot happen.
Within LADEC’s regional group of companies, there is a huge number of SMEs that have all the prerequisites for growth when the pieces fall into place. These companies are the ones LADEC helps take the next step. Investments, new expertise, recruitment, the ability to think differently and various forms of tolerance are needed.
Cooperation in Many Forms
Without cooperation, there is no growth and no carefully envisioned future. When one company in the region grows, it often opens new opportunities for others as well. I’ve noticed that more and more companies nowadays clearly understand the value of networks. It is very difficult to succeed and grow alone. At the start of this year, LADEC expanded to cover the whole of Päijät-Häme. In discussions with our new municipal partners, the cooperation opportunities for companies stood out as a significant added value.
Cooperation between companies is extremely important, but equally vital is cooperation between organisations working for the region’s vitality. In the Lahti region, many actors work together towards the same goals, networking in various directions — local business associations, the chamber of commerce, the industrial society, municipalities and the Päijät-Häme Regional Council. All these contributors are needed.
LADEC — For You and Your Business
- We develop the business environment and attractiveness of the Lahti region. We help companies with matters related to starting a business, growth, development, internationalisation, and relocating to our region.
- We serve the whole of Päijät‑Häme. Our advisory services are free of charge.
- We invite all regional companies to join our free networking events.
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Source: Häme Chamber of Commerce Anniversary Publication 2025
Text: Terhi Kangas
Photos: Petri Koivisto