The Regional Council of Ostrobothnia leads efforts to attract global investments
As Finland’s most industrialised region, Ostrobothnia has a clear interest in securing innovations and global investment for its region. With Finland’s Ministry of Employment and the Economy currently sharpening the national industrial policy strategy, The Regional Council of Ostrobothnia is also taking action at a regional and local level.
“A key issue in our conversations with municipalities is how we will be able to bring in the new wave of sustainable investments into Finland and Ostrobothnia. This is also one of the main goals of the national industrial policy strategy, which we are closely monitoring as it develops”, notes Mats Brandt, Regional Mayor of Ostrobothnia.
The national strategy aims to safeguard industrial jobs in Finland and accelerate the growth of ambitious, job-creating, and export-oriented companies. Brandt sees Finland as an attractive destination for future investments especially in renewable energy production, but there is also a great potential to attract and develop investment projects higher up in the value chains. He emphasizes the need for streamlined processes and collaboration between municipalities and the national government.
To secure innovations, rapid permitting and planning processes are essential
“The Nordic countries offer a safe investment environment, a high level of expertise, and cost-efficient energy solutions. To secure innovations within Finland, we need rapid and solid procedures both for permitting and planning. This is where regional state agencies as well as municipalities are key players,” Brandt states.
The new Regional Land Use Plan 2050 is a strategic blueprint that combines national and regional objectives. The plan will serve as a framework to guide municipal planning, particularly in energy production and wind farm development.
“The aim is to create a network of industrial zones. This approach helps to ensure the comprehensiveness of the infrastructure and transport networks across the entire Nordic region, which enables synergies between these areas”, explains Ann Holm, Director of Regional Planning.
The foundation for this growth lies in collaboration across sectors. By fostering connections with different actors, the Regional Council strives to identify priorities and determine where to allocate resources.
“Our approach is built on constant dialogue with municipalities, businesses, academic institutions, and the public sector”, says Niklas Ulfvens, Director of Regional Development. “For example, Ostrobothnia is home to major companies that compete on a global scale, bringing in fresh ideas and insights into future developments. We can leverage this knowledge and expertise to develop new areas of research and competence in the region.”
Ostrobothnia is also strategically involved in EU initiatives. The Regional Council works actively in collaboration with the West Finland European Office in Brussels, which facilitates access to valuable information about EU funding and potential opportunities for collaboration.
A vision of Ostrobothnia’s future: renewable energy, innovation hubs, and sustainable industrial zones shaping a competitive green economy
“Being part of EU projects is directly linked to our strategy. Our role as an intermediary body, particularly in terms of EU funding, allows us to channel resources into projects that develop the local innovation ecosystem,” says Maria Backman, Development and Business Manager.
Sustainability and the green transition are still guiding forces behind the region’s progress. The Regional Council has a strategy of smart specialisation for 2022-2025, which forms a framework of priorities based on the region’s current strengths. These areas of priority, such as renewable energy production, circular economy, and carbon-neutrality, can in turn create growth opportunities through innovation. The aim is not only to reduce the region’s environmental footprint, but also to gain financial benefits.
“Traditional businesses will have to transform their operations to become emission-free. But it’s not just a matter of sustainability, it is also a possibility to create solutions that we can export globally. Those who can help the rest of the world decarbonize will outperform others in the global market. This applies to companies and regions alike”, Brandt adds.
