The implementation plan for the security of supply and overall safety in Northern Ostrobothnia has been updated
The implementation plan for the security of supply and comprehensive security of North Ostrobothnia for 2026-2027 has been updated and approved by the Provincial Government on 8 June 2026. The updated implementation plan brings together the province's key measures to strengthen the region's resilience to crises and ensure society's ability to function in a changing security environment.
The key objective of the implementation plan is to shift the focus from traditional preparedness towards resilience, i.e. the ability to maintain and renew operations even in long-term disruptions. Security of supply is considered as a whole, where technical, economic and human factors are interconnected.
The plan continues to be structured around three main pillars:
- Development of RDI activities as part of a crisis-proof province
- Security of supply and operational capacity of the business sector
- Smooth and safe everyday life for people
Through these entities, the development activities of the region are steered in such a way that critical functions, the competitiveness of the business sector and the safety of people's everyday lives are strengthened simultaneously.
Up-to-date situational awareness supports decision-making
The situation picture brings together the strengths and challenges of Northern Ostrobothnia. The region has a strong industrial structure, a high level of expertise and significant RDI activities, but at the same time vulnerabilities are identified in, for example, energy, logistics and competence systems.
The change in the security environment is considered to be permanent and structural. In particular, cyber threats, the interdependence of critical systems and preparedness for long-term crises will become key areas for development.
Concrete measures to strengthen resilience
The implementation plan includes a wide range of concrete measures in different sectors. For example:
- emphasis on decentralised and resilient solutions in the development of energy systems;
- ensuring access to critical resources in all situations in food and water management;
- logistics to strengthen alternative transport routes and infrastructure security;
- digitalization develops situational awareness and cyber security
In addition, the importance of local production, shortening supply chains and strengthening know-how is emphasised.
The Role of People at the Center
The implementation plan emphasises more than before the importance of people and communities in building overall security. The security of everyday life, communality, participation and the ability of citizens to act in disruption situations are seen as key factors for the resilience of the region.
Particular attention will be paid to issues such as the well-being of young people, mental health and the prevention of inequality, which are directly linked to long-term security.
Extensive cooperation as a basis for the implementation plan
The plan was prepared in early 2026 in close cooperation with the regional actors. A wide range of stakeholders have participated in the preparation through surveys, workshops and thematic events.
Cooperation will also continue in the implementation phase, where information sharing, strengthening partnerships and developing operating models across sector boundaries will be key. International cooperation, especially at EU and Nordic level, is seen as an important part of the development of security of supply.
At the heart of the plan is a clear message: safety comes from cooperation, know-how and the functionality of everyday life.
Get to know the implementation plan from here.
Read the article on the opportunities of NATO's DIANA programme for companies in the Oulu region here.
