The Smart Specialisation Strategy for Central Finland aims to recognize the region’s competitive strengths. As the world is changing in an accelerating speed, Central Finland needs to be able to adjust to rapid changes. The objective is to support growth and adapt to structural changes, both positive and negative, by creating resilience. The economic instability, tentative power politics, and climate change all pose challenges for preparing for the future.
Central Finland’s competitive strength is the ability to combine the five focus areas. The interfaces between bioeconomy, digital economy, knowledge-based economy, well-being-related economy, and tourism, create new business opportunities, innovations, and enterprises. The actors on these fields are encouraged to create interdisciplinary solutions. Co-creation and interaction between focus areas is encouraged and nurtured.
Bioeconomy
- New innovations and business models enable the development of circular economy (RDI)
- When fully utilized, bio-based side streams create business opportunities
- Further processing of products leads to a full endorsement of the agriculture’s potential
As the usage of forests increases, sustainable solutions need to be endorsed. Central Finland has versatile sources for biomass as well as exceptional research, development, and innovation environment in the field of bioeconomy. Education and public policies need to support tackling the climate change and protecting nature, which is essential in the region. Bioeconomy is recognized as a strength of the whole region of Central Finland.
Bioeconomy allows the transition towards low carbon economy, with the increasing opportunities for circular economy. New innovations and business models can be reach by combining research, product development, and industries working for the same goal. Focusing on renewable energy sources enhances Central Finland’s competence and affects significantly on regional economy, as well as reduces the usage of fossil fuels. As the bioeconomy is export-driven, international benchmarking is required.
Central Finland has underutilized potential for agriculture and blue economy. Further processing and distribution need to be improved to reach our full potential. Versatile and sustainable usage of our lakes is recognized as a priority.
One of our bioeconomy success stories is the modernization of the forest industry:
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Central Finland success stories - Forest industry transformation