South Savo eMobility Cluster: Services for Member Companies

Platform for Co-Creation

The South Savo eMobility Cluster provides its member companies with a platform for collaboratively developing concrete and impactful services. The cluster is not a fixed model, but rather evolves gradually based on the needs of participating companies. Services take shape through joint experimentation and development work as the cluster matures. The goal is to establish a lasting operational model that delivers real value to its member companies.

Internationalization


The cluster’s core mission is to support companies in accessing international markets:

  • Trade Fairs and Events: The cluster organizes joint stands at international trade fairs and events. The cluster director and cluster ambassador (Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo) represent cluster companies at industry events, raising global awareness of the South Savo eMobility Cluster.
  • Networks and Partnerships: Building connections with international customers, distributors, and technology partners.
  • Talent Pipeline: Leveraging international students from LUT University and Xamk in recruitment, including access to interns, thesis workers, and future hires.
  • Support for Research to Business Projects: Assistance in commercializing research-based innovations and opportunities to pilot solutions in collaboration with international actors.
  • Brand Visibility: Cluster companies gain visibility through joint marketing channels and materials aimed at international audiences.

Skills and Resources

The cluster enhances the competence of member companies and facilitates resource sharing:

  • Regular Networking Meetings: Opportunities to exchange information, share best practices, and identify collaboration opportunities.
  • Joint Trainings: Topics such as sustainability reporting, electrical safety, LEAN, export competence. Trainings are tailored to member needs.
  • Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Influence on curricula and access to targeted training. Guidance of graduates into employment in cluster companies.
  • Shared Resources: Joint use of marketing and back-office expertise.
    Funding and Investment

Funding and investment


The cluster helps identify appropriate funding channels and partners:

  • Funding Info Sessions and Coaching: Detailed information on current funding opportunities and help with preparing funding applications.
  • Monitoring EU and National Projects: The cluster assembles ready-made project packages that member companies can join without heavy administrative burden.
  • Joint Bids and International Public Procurement: The cluster finds and gathers companies to participate in major EU projects.
  • Application Support: Guidance and assistance in preparing funding applications, in cooperation with financial consultants.
  • Identifying Investment Opportunities: Co-creating attractive investment project packages.
  • Investor Contacts: Building connections to private investors and business angels.




International Public Procurement

The cluster supports access to international public tenders:

  • Tender Monitoring: Systematic tracking of international tenders involving eMobility solutions.
  • Coordination of Joint Bids: Assembling competitive consortia of SMEs to respond to large tender requests.
  • Bid Process Support: Advice and expert help with preparing tender documents and meeting requirements.

The cluster brings together industry actors to create significant added value through collaboration—far beyond what individual companies could achieve alone. Member companies benefit from joint marketing, broader networks, international opportunities, and innovation partnerships. The cluster increases their international visibility, helping them stand out and reach new markets.

Standards and Common Practices

eMobility standards are evolving rapidly, and the cluster keeps its members informed:

  • Updates: Information on new and changing standards affecting exports and product development (e.g., charging systems, fire safety, battery industry).
  • Access to Policy Discussions: Through cluster representation, members can participate in discussions shaping the industry’s rules.
  • Best Practice Coaching: Support for meeting regulatory requirements in various markets.

Maintenance


A global maintenance network is both a competitive advantage and a necessity. The cluster supports building international maintenance capabilities:

  • Coaching: Guidance on creating a service network and sharing best practices.
  • Utilizing Existing Networks: Broader use of already established sales and service networks among cluster companies.
  • Support for Enhancing Resale Value: Integrating service and sales to boost customer satisfaction and product value.
  • Collaboration in Maintenance Services: Joint service solutions among cluster companies.

Legal Support

The cluster supports companies in meeting legal requirements:

  • Regulatory Monitoring: Up-to-date information on legal and regulatory changes across markets.
  • Advisory Services: Help in understanding specific market requirements.
  • Back-Office Collaboration: Recommendations and coordinated services for accounting, legal, and administrative support.
  • CFO Services: Specialized expertise in financial administration and funding.

Networking Services


The cluster facilitates business networking and discovery of new opportunities:

  • Defense Industry Cooperation: The cluster identifies defense industry needs and acts as a link to the Finnish Defence Forces, Patria, and others. It supports companies in developing dual-use technologies and tracks defense-sector funding opportunities.
  • Matchmaking: Events and forums where cluster companies meet potential partners and customers. Connections to other national and international clusters.