Oulu is internationally known as a city of technology. Cooperation between enterprises, research, education and public organizations has produced significant results. Today Oulu is a major centre of competence in the field of high technology, particularly IT and wellness technology.
More traditional industries, such as wood refining, paper and steel industry, are also strong in Oulu. Oulu is investing and will continue to invest more and more in the development of extensive businesses as well as logistics, information technology, content production, media, well-being and bio and environmental fields.
Structure of industries: the active working population in Oulu is employed as follows
Industries Working population December 31, 2007
Services 40,411
Industry 11,598
Commerce 10,274
Construction 5,462
Transport 4,319
Farming and forestry 584
Unknown 537
Total 73,185
In 2009, the average number of unemployed was 9,033, calculated on the basis of monthly statistics.
Most important employers in 2009:
Employer Personnel
City of Oulu 9,674
Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District 5,681
University of Oulu 2,900
Nokia Group 2,500
Nokia Siemens Networks 2,200
The Oulu Region Joint Authority for Vocational Training 1,845
Kesko Group 1,046
Cooperative Arina Group 916
Stora Enso Group (comprising the functions of Stora Enso Fine Paper, Herman
