The Oulu region has recently seen the rise of a prominent cluster of biotechnology, health care and welfare services. At present, Oulu is already home to a large number of enterprises in the life-science industry, including IT companies and growing/internationalizing businesses they total 180 firms. Added to these are also the region´s nearly 1400 different health care and social services providers. In all, that makes approximately 1600 service providers in the field of biotechnology, health care or welfare services in the Oulu region.
"The future will be promising for the life sciences," predicts Tuula Palmén, Account Director of Business Oulu Life Sciences. "Issues such as food safety, the greying population, climate change and new bioeconomy and bioproduction will offer opportunities for our local enterprises and professionals."