Valmet launches Industrial NEXUS R&D program focused on digital industrial transformation
Valmet has launched a new research and development programme named Industrial NEXUS, aimed at accelerating industrial renewal through digital technologies, automation and new operating models. The five-year initiative is designed to strengthen Finland’s industrial competitiveness while supporting the transformation of industrial work and future skills development.
Business Finland has granted EUR 15 million in funding for the programme and is also preparing additional funding of EUR 40 million for ecosystem projects connected to Industrial NEXUS. Valmet itself will invest EUR 55 million over the next five years. The estimated global export potential linked to the programme could reach EUR 6.5 billion by 2035.
Focus on future industrial work and digital technologies
At the centre of the programme is the transformation of industrial work and the increasing need for new competencies in modern production environments. Valmet highlighted that the industrial sector is facing several simultaneous challenges, including the retirement of experienced specialists, evolving skills requirements and the need to transfer operational knowledge into digital systems and processes.
Industrial NEXUS will focus on areas including artificial intelligence, human-machine collaboration, lifecycle performance solutions and continuous learning models.
Ecosystem approach to industrial renewal
The programme brings together an ecosystem of companies, universities, research institutes and other partners to develop solutions aimed at addressing labour shortages, competence gaps and productivity challenges.
“Through the program, we are building solutions together with the ecosystem that support the transformation of industrial work and strengthen Finland’s competitiveness in the long term,” said Olli Hänninen, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Transformation at Valmet. The company stated that industrial renewal is not only about technology, but also about people, knowledge transfer and the development of more attractive and sustainable industrial careers.
Development of self-operating processes
One of the key development areas of Industrial NEXUS will be self-operating industrial processes and integrated digital service solutions. The programme will support the creation of digital operating models where automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics assist operators and support evolving production environments.
“The retirement of experienced specialists, rapidly advancing technologies and changing competence requirements highlight the need to invest in intelligent, flexible, and human-centric industrial solutions,” said Viivi Villa-Nuottajärvi, Vice President, Strategic R&D at Valmet. “Modern and human-oriented operating models attract and engage new talent in the industry.”
According to Valmet, the programme supports the company’s long-term technology strategy and strengthens its integrated offering across automation, process technologies and lifecycle services. The initiative is part of Business Finland’s leading company programme and aims to attract both domestic and international ecosystem partners to strengthen industrial R&D investments in Finland.
