QRDI Council Inks MoU with Innovaatiorahoituskeskus Business Finland at Qatar Economic Forum 2025

Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council and Innovaatiorahoituskeskus Business Finland, the Finnish Innovation Funding Agency, have formalised their commitment to collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the opening day of the 5th Qatar Economic Forum 2025. This strategic partnership is designed to foster the exchange of ideas, information, skills, and expertise, while supporting joint initiatives across all areas of research, development, and innovation (RDI).

Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, and Omar Al Ansari, Secretary General of QRDI Council, represented their respective organizations during the signing ceremony, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable innovative-driven future.

Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland said: “With the signing of this MoU, we are taking concrete steps to accelerate research, development, and innovation cooperation between our countries. This partnership underscores our commitment to working together to strengthen and promote exchange of ideas, information, skills benefiting both of our economies. On behalf of Innovaatiorahoituskeskus Business Finland, Finland looks forward to the fruitful exchange of knowledge and expertise that this partnership will undoubtedly foster.”

Omar Al Ansari, Secretary General of QRDI Council mentioned: “We at QRDI Council look forward to the outcomes of this collaboration. The partnership between QRDI Council and Innovaatiorahoituskeskus Business Finland will create new opportunities, drive innovative solutions, and contribute to a more sustainable future in alignment with our national vision. With innovation being at the heart of the third national strategy, I am confident that we will strengthen the RDI ecosystem and achieve impactful results together.”

This strategic partnership outlines key areas of collaboration, including cross-promotion of innovation programs and events, support for matchmaking efforts connecting Qatari and Finnish companies seeking expansion and collaboration on industrial research or co-innovation projects, and the exchange of knowledge in key areas. By leveraging the strengths of Qatar’s growing RDI ecosystem and Finland’s globally recognised expertise in innovation and sustainability, this collaboration aims to unlock new opportunities for knowledge transfer, investment, and economic diversification.

Day 1 of the Qatar Economic Forum featured an exclusive opening ceremony, during which a keynote address was given and set the tone for the day’s discussions. The first day was marked by a series of engaging panel discussions and networking opportunities, covering a wide range of topics including innovation, research and development, the financial markets, the economy, and more. QRDI Council hosted a session titled: Roundtable: The Next R&D Hub: Investing in Innovation’s Future where they discussed talent, regulation, and geopolitical shifts, and assessed Qatar’s role in encouraging an innovation hub that attracts investment and drives breakthroughs.

Qatar Economic Forum presents itself to be a platform for knowledge exchange and international collaboration. This forum serves as a hub for dialogue, creating global partnerships, and driving innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable economic growth and a shared vision for the future.