VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tampere University of Technology (TUT) and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) are creating a research alliance to provide new business opportunities for Finnish industry. Automation and robotics, 3D printing and digital product development will be the focus of the collaboration with the facilitation and acceleration of demos, prototypes, piloting and product development without major investments. "High-quality, international cooperation requires strong centers of expertise of the kind appearing here," said professor Kari T. Koskinen of TUT. The Smart Machines and Manufacturing Centre (SMACC), which was founded by VTT and TUT in 2015, serves as the platform for combining infrastructures. The SMACC expert network will help clients to find and benefit from the right kind of infrastructure. "Practical cooperation will create more opportunities to help companies on a one-stop-shop basis," said Risto Kuivanen, business development manager at VTT.