Finland allocates €14m to creative industries R&D as gaming leads funding applications

Business Finland received 71 applications worth more than €14 million in its second funding call for research and development projects in the country's creative industries.

Gaming companies and research organisations working on joint projects submitted the largest applications by funding value. The funding round also attracted many small and startup companies, including businesses planning their first R&D project across games, audiovisual, literary, architecture and communications sectors.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning featured prominently in applications this round, with creative industries identifying uses in film, events and other areas. The funding also prioritised intangible value creation and immersive technologies.

"It was pleasing that we were able to fund slightly more micro and small companies in this round," said Ella Kylmäaho, director of the consumer and creative industries unit at Business Finland. "This could indicate the growth of small companies' expertise and ambition in the field of research and development."

Business Finland plans to open another creative industries funding call later this year with €9 million available, following a state budget decision to establish permanent €9 million annual R&D funding for the sector. The schedule has not yet been finalised.