Nordic Innovation Exchange (NIX): Building a Shared Nordic Path for Research Commercialization
The Nordic Innovation Exchange (NIX) feasibility study explored how the Nordic region can strengthen university-driven research commercialization and deep-tech impact through joint action. Funded by Nordic Innovation under the Green & Competitive Nordic Region call, the project was led by Aitoware Oy in partnership with Vinnova, Business Finland, Innovation Norway, and Innovation Centre Denmark.
Over a focused three-month period, NIX conducted 23 in-depth interviews across the Nordic innovation ecosystem : engaging universities, technology transfer offices (TTOs), investors, corporate innovators, and national policy agencies. The aim was to map how commercialization is organized today, what works well, and where collaboration could add the most value.
The findings reveal a region rich in scientific excellence and societal purpose but limited by fragmented systems, short funding cycles, and varying levels of institutional capacity. Despite these differences, interviewees consistently expressed a strong sense of shared purpose and Nordic identity. They emphasized the opportunity to pool resources and expertise through structured, long-term collaboration rather than new digital platforms or bureaucratic structures.
The study identified five core components for a future joint Nordic approach:
Nordic TTO Network for peer learning, staff exchanges, and shared professional development.
Vertical pilot tracks in strategic deep-tech areas such as quantum, AI, and health technologies.
Industry and investor engagement mechanisms to bridge the gap between research and market traction.
Common Nordic toolbox harmonizing IP, equity, and commercialization models across countries.
Policy alignment and governance dialogue among national funding agencies and ministries.
Together, these elements form a living Nordic network, a dynamic, self-renewing system that fosters trust, collaboration, and shared standards across universities, agencies, and investors. Instead of creating a new structure, NIX proposes to build on what already exists, enabling mutual learning and joint progress at both strategic and operational levels.
A second major outcome was the International Benchmarking Concept, linking Nordic institutions with leading global ecosystems such as Stanford, Berkeley, and MIT. The model outlines a structured learning cycle, from Nordic pre-mapping to curated U.S. visits and post-visit “application sprints”, designed to translate international best practices into tangible Nordic actions. This ensures benchmarking becomes a tool for transformation, not just observation.
The feasibility phase exceeded expectations, producing clear evidence of shared needs, strong engagement, and high alignment among stakeholders. NIX has demonstrated that when the Nordics act together, they can become a globally credible, trusted deep-tech region , one that turns research excellence into innovation, industry partnerships, and long-term sustainable impact.