Evaluation of the Growth and Internationalisation of Water Expertise Programme and Support for the Planning and Preparation of the Blue Bioeconomy and Water Expertise Development Programme 2026–2030.

The Growth and Internationalisation of Water Expertise Programme (2022–2025) aimed to strengthen the competitiveness of Finnish water expertise and promote the internationalisation of the sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was responsible for the programme, with the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of South Savo (ELY Centre) acting as the supporting authority.

MDI, in cooperation with FCG, conducted the final evaluation of the programme as well as contributing to the development of a new programme. The evaluation assessed the attainment of the programme’s objectives and its overall impact, the efficiency of implemented measures and resource use, the programme’s effects on the growth and business conditions of water sector companies, its influence on internationalisation, and the programme’s functionality based on stakeholder perspectives and experiences.

At the same time, the evaluation produced insights and lessons to support the drafting of the new programme. The goal of the new Blue Bioeconomy and Water Expertise Development Programme 2026–2030 was to define the programme’s structure, objectives, actions, and indicators.

The review was conducted between May and September 2025.