Project
Well-being and growth through prototypes (ProtoKS)
Project sponsors
Project type
Focus area
Implementation time
1.9.2024
-
28.2.2026
Project unit
Financing program
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027
Primary home page
UN Sustainable development goals
Project description
The main objective of the ProtoKS project was to build an operating model for rapid prototype development that responds to the multidisciplinary needs of SMEs in Central Finland. With this model, it is possible to improve the ability of micro and small enterprises to increase experimentation and innovation activities while accelerating regional growth and wellbeing. In addition to producing a prototype, the model includes an evaluation of commercial potential, market situation, competitors, and profitability. The developed model integrates technical development with business expertise and other essential perspectives such as usability, human–technology interaction, user-centered design, accessibility, and ergonomics. Multidisciplinary assessment and development of a problem or idea enable the prototype phase to evolve into a commercially successful product.
The project period was 1 September 2024 – 28 February 2026. The main target group consisted of micro and small enterprises in Central Finland working in the fields of advanced manufacturing, wellbeing, and experience industries.
Project objectives:
Objective 1: To develop and pilot, in cooperation with industry, a multidisciplinary operating model for prototype development that takes into account the needs of companies and supports the product and service development of SMEs
Objective 2: To accelerate companies' RDI activities and the commercialization of innovations through concrete prototypes
Objective 3: To improve companies' ability to assess the commercial potential of product and service innovations (prototypes)
As a result of the project, an operating model and processes were developed to more quickly and flexibly meet companies' needs for building rapid prototypes. The prototypes may relate to products, services, or concepts, and they may be physical or virtual. The operating model takes into account the needs and goals of companies. During the project, value networks across different sectors were also strengthened as companies built stronger connections and identified new collaboration opportunities. Concrete results included 10 different prototypes that enable the acceleration of product development within individual companies or broader groups of companies. In addition, a model for assessing commercial potential was created.
Further information:
Jyrki Vihriälä
Project Manager
LIKE RDI
Business
+358 50 564 6644
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi
Project results
As a result of the project, the following outcomes were achieved as planned:
- An operational model for prototype development
- A model for assessing commercial potential
- 10 prototypes
The project also brought together not only companies and actors from the same sectors but also from different fields, enabling new business opportunities. The impacts of the project will become clearer over time, but in the short term, companies reported, among other things, the following:
'The assessment and process were useful for us,' 'Great that we received sparring and support for product development,' 'I found the project beneficial and was pleased that the commercial potential evaluation was included in the overall package, even though it wasn't discussed at the beginning,' 'A very well-progressed process,' 'Smooth collaboration.'
The prototypes are public, which means that the opportunity to further develop them is available not only to the companies involved but to any other companies as well.
25 February 2026