Rural COOP webinar: Green Economy as a Driver of Integrated Territorial Development
What: Rural COOP webinar on Green Economy as a Driver of Integrated Territorial Development
Date and time: 7.10.2026 10.30-12.00 (Finnish time)
Where: Zoom
Registration for the webinar: Rural COOP webinar
Language: English
Event on the official Rural COOP website: Rural COOP | Rural COOP webinar: Green economy as driver of ITD | Interreg Europe
How can the green economy support sustainable growth and integrated territorial development in rural and mountain areas? What types of cooperation and governance models help regions turn green transition goals into concrete actions?
This Rural COOP webinar explores the role of the green economy as a driver of sustainable territorial development. The discussion will move from European policy perspectives to regional implementation in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, and further to practical examples demonstrating how cooperation between public authorities, businesses, research organisations and local communities can enable green economy solutions.
Participants will gain insights into:
- The role of the green economy in supporting beneficial, socially and environmentally sustainable growth.
- How EU policy frameworks and strategies are translated into regional and local development practices.
- The importance of multi-level governance and cross-sectoral cooperation in advancing the green transition.
- Practical examples of green economy initiatives in rural areas, including bioeconomy, circular economy and sustainable energy solutions.
The webinar will feature:
- A keynote presentation on the role of the green economy in Europe and its relevance for rural and mountain areas.
- A regional perspective from Northern Ostrobothnia, highlighting how green economy principles are applied in regional development.
- Practical case examples from Finland showcasing cooperation-based approaches to recycled nutrients, local bioenergy production and hydrogen-related energy solutions.
- A panel discussion and Q&A session focusing on transferable lessons and opportunities for other rural regions.
The webinar is intended for policymakers, regional and local authorities, development organisations, researchers and stakeholders interested in rural development, green transition and territorial cooperation.
Agenda
09:30 Welcome and opening remarks: Moderator Tiina Paakkari, Senior Advisor, East and North Finland EU Office
09:35 Keynote by Enrique GARCILAZO, Head of Regional and Rural Policy, OECD: A keynote presentation on the role of the green economy in Europe and its relevance for rural and mountain areas.
09:50 Regional perspective from North Ostrobothnia, Finland: Ritva Isomäki (Manager of Environment and Natural Resources, Council of Oulu Region, Finland)
10:10 Case examples from North Ostrobothnia, Finland
- BIOTUTO project: Peetu Virkkala, Project Researcher Digitization, maturity models, University of Oulu, Kerttu Saalasti Institute
- UTAH2 project: Speaker TBC
10:30 Panel discussion
10:45 Q&A Session
10:55 Key takeaways
11:00 Closing
Contact details:
Project Manager Anna-Maija Toivonen, Rural COOP project, anna-maija.toivonen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
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