Smart specialisation is the innovation policy of the region, where the region recognises its strengths and areas for development. With strengths, regions stand out and thrive.
The objective of smart specialisation is to create innovation ecosystems in the regions that enable the renewal of business life. Cooperation between research and education institutions and companies to generate and implement new innovations is one of the pillars of the strategy. It is also important to complement local know-how by working together with others. Partners can be found in their own country or region, but increasingly in international networks.
Priorities for smart specialisation in Northern Ostrobothnia
In Northern Ostrobothnia, innovation activity is high and expenditure on research and development is better than the national average. The commercialisation of research results and the effective dissemination of innovations are challenges faced by the region. The operating environment is developed in a direction where information is shared, networked and international connections are utilised. The region's research environments are developed and growth is created for the region's competitiveness. The update of the smart specialisation strategy for Northern Ostrobothnia was prepared in cooperation with stakeholders during autumn 2022.
In accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia assessed the need to update the smart specialisation strategy in connection with the preparation of the provincial programme 2026-2029 and did not identify any need for updating. The strategy was extended until 2027 and a new update will be prepared with the change of the EU programming period in 2028.
Priorities for smart specialisation in Northern Ostrobothnia:
1. Renewable and prosperous
2. Climate-wise
3. International, networked and attractive
North Ostrobothnia is known for its strong ICT expertise and corporate base. New emerging industries include applications and devices related to health and well-being, as well as various applications of printed electronics, for example. The strongest industries in the industry are the metal and metal products industry and the further processing of wood, including both biorefining and mechanical processing. New innovations and industrial solutions are emerging at industry interfaces, where digitalisation and responding to climate change often play a crucial role. The activities of the Digital Innovation Hubs support the digitalisation of the business sector and the accumulation of digital skills.
The Smart Specialisation Strategy supports the reform and competitiveness of businesses in the region to address the challenges and opportunities of the green transition. In addition, measures in accordance with the North Ostrobothnia Climate Roadmap will reduce the region's greenhouse gas emissions. More detailed measures have been outlined and included in the Climate Roadmap for Northern Ostrobothnia.
High levels of expertise, sustainability and active innovation ecosystems strengthen the regional economy and renew the economy. Internationalisation and networking are ways to increase competitiveness in Northern Ostrobothnia and promote the development of the priority areas selected in the smart specialisation strategy. North Ostrobothnia's RDI environments are maintained and developed to meet the needs of business and industry, and actors are encouraged to participate in international projects and networks. Adequate labour supply will be crucial in the future. The region's attractiveness has a significant impact on the location of companies, investments, skilled labour force and students in the region. From the point of view of the tourism industry, the region's attractiveness is a key success factor, for which the region's proximity to the Arctic region adds value. The creative industries support the development of the region's attractiveness.
Northern Ostrobothnia Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2027.
Oulu Region’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2027.
Joint Smart Specialisation Strategy for Eastern and Northern Finland as of 1 January 2024
Shared Smart Specialisation Strategy for East and North Finland, as from January 2024
The Smart Specialisation Strategy has been prepared as part of the project Kanves- International and networked Northern Ostrobothnia.
Additional information:
International Affairs Specialist Saija Tikkanen
Tel. +358 40 685 4044
e-mail. saija.tikkanen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
Tiina Rajala, Development Director
Tel. + 358 40 685 4033
e-mail: tiina.rajala@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
