23.04.2021
The proposal for a national programme for EU regional and structural policy promotes vitality and digitalisation
Regional Assembly of Oulu Region: The proposal for a national programme for EU regional and structural policy promotes vitality and digitalisation
A Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027 The programme proposal responds well to the development needs of Northern Ostrobothnia. The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region has led the regional programme preparation for Eastern and Northern Finland, so the opportunities to Influencing the content of the programme have been good. The contents highlight important entities for Northern Ostrobothnia, which have taken into account business-oriented development, support for SMEs, and research, development and innovation activities. The programme provides municipalities in cooperation with resources to promote vitality. The policies of the European European European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Plus (ESF+) include a series of measures for the development of employment, skills and Participation and Inclusion.
Broadband investments included in the programme
Broadband investments must be included in the programme in accordance in cooperation with the Government's policy of November 2019. The construction of broadband infrastructure has progressed slowly and funding needs to be available towards the end of the programming period. The proposal for a programme for sustainable growth (RRF) includes broadband infrastructure funding, but its duration is shorter than that of the regional and structural policy programme.
Priorities of the region highlighted
The county's smart specialisation priorities must be taken into account in the content and funding of national innovation policy. The functional interaction between regions and national innovation policies must be ensured and the interface in cooperation with Business Finland must also be identified in cooperation with regard to smart specialisation and innovation activities.
Implementation may not be passed on to municipalities
The costs of implementing the Structural Funds programme must not be passed on to the municipalities, but must be entirely covered by technical assistance and state funding. Sufficient provision must be made for technical assistance. The increase in the number of intermediate authorities in southern and western Finland must not weaken the technical support for eastern and northern Finland.
