Work to form a vision for eastern Finland’s development begins

On 2 November 2022, Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä invited representatives of companies, organisations, and higher education and research institutes to discuss the launch of work to create a vision for development for eastern Finland. Forming a vision for development is one of the recommendations in the final report of the Working group of State Secretaries, which examined the vitality of eastern Finland.

In its final report published in connection with the government budget session on 1 September 2022, the Working group stated that eastern Finland needs a vision for development created jointly by companies, regions and the central government. At the same time, the measures that increase the vitality of eastern Finland aim to have an effect on vitality and competitiveness in the whole of Finland.

The roundtable discussion on 2 November served as a preliminary debate for the launch of the work, i.e. on what basis sustainable growth can be created in the future.

“The work for creating a vision requires close cooperation between those involved in business, research and development, and education as well as other stakeholders. The Ministry supports these discussions. The goal is to have a more vibrant eastern Finland that benefits the whole country,” says Lintilä.

Need for visionary ideas for entire eastern Finland

According to the report of the Working group of State Secretaries, new and visionary initiatives that cover all regions of eastern Finland are needed. To make this vision a reality, it is essential to create strong, even world-class growth ecosystems in sectors with solid expertise and capacity to do well in international competition.

The work for creating a vision will utilise the regional strengths and the competences identified in regional strategic programmes and smart specialisation strategies. The work will take into account other ongoing regional development work.

The current economic and security situation requires a new way of thinking and identifying the resources of eastern Finland as a whole, instead of a focus on single regions. During the work, ways to improve the operating conditions for companies and the availability of skilled labour will be explored.

Workshops to be involved in development work – Vision to be ready in February 2023

In late autumn 2022 and early 2023, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will invite key operators in eastern Finland to join discussions on strengthening the region’s vitality and building common strategic goals. These discussions will be used as the basis for forming a vision for development for eastern Finland. 

Operators from the following regions, in particular, will be invited to participate in the work: Kymenlaakso, South Karelia, South Savo, North Savo, North Karelia, Kainuu, North Ostrobothnia and Lapland.

Preliminary timetable

• Launch in Helsinki, 24 November 2022
• Mikkeli, December 2022
• Lappeenranta, January 2023
• Joensuu, February 2023

Inquiries:
Sonja Hällfors, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 295 04 7380
Marjukka Aarnio, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 150