What will North Korea look like in 2050?
For the first time, alternative future guidelines were created for the region of Northern Ostrobothnia scenarios in the last year. The four scenarios highlight geopolitical tensions, European unity, the ecological crisis, technological developments, economic growth, demographic trends and the polarisation of society. The scenarios also present themes and measures that North Ostrobothnia should invest in in order to build a successful region.
Possible scenarios for the future will extend until 2050.
In the first scenario, the world changes. Global Technology Development under conditions. Scenario 2 Europe is experiencing a renaissance. Scenario three moves from starvation to the economy of well-being, The fourth scenario paints the most pessimistic picture: Refugees and Polarization guide the activities of communities and people.
Scenarios respond to the challenges of the region's future
In addition to defining the scenarios, each of them has been mirrored and examined in the province of Northern Ostrobothnia – what impact they have on the region.
The role of Northern Ostrobothnia is to develop technology that supports the well-being of its residents and facilitates everyday activities. In the European Renaissance and the green transition, the province is involved in energy production and its exploitation.
In the Scenario "From seeing to the well-being economy", the aim must be to create a new kind of communality and inclusion in Northern Ostrobothnia through cooperation models. The Refugees and Polarization scenario challenges the stability of everyday life and consumes resources. We need to prepare more seriously for demographic changes.
In the future, the material of the scenario work will be used in the strategic planning of the county, such as in the preparation of the county programme. The results can also be utilised by cities, municipalities and other organisations operating in Northern Ostrobothnia.
Background to the scenario work
The Regional Councils of North Ostrobothnia and Uusimaa prepared scenario work to outline different options for the future in cooperation. The scenarios were created on the basis of a survey conducted in autumn 2024. Based on the answers, a description of the main uncertainties and their development options was formed. The work started in spring 2024 and will be completed by the end of February 2025.
The scenario work challenges the prevailing ways of thinking in the organisations participating in the project and also creates scenarios with significant visionary breaks compared to current development. The work provides content and tools for different organisations' own scenario and strategy work. The aim is to generate new discussion and develop the future-oriented vision and thinking of the parties involved in the project.
Additional information:
Research and Development Manager Mikko Väisänen, +358 50 336 6524, mikko.vaisanen(at)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
