22.06.2023
Regional Cooperation Group meeting release, 22 June 2023
The meeting of the North Ostrobothnia Regional Cooperation Group was held on Thursday 22 June in Oulu. The Cooperation Group decided to support six projects to be funded under the EU's Regional and Structural Policy Programme for a Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027. The regional cooperation group also prepared a statement on increasing entrepreneurial activity.
Current project presentations
The Rethinking North Project.
Focusing development efforts on increasing entrepreneurial activity and youth entrepreneurship policies
One of the tasks of the regional cooperation group (MYR) is to guide the development and strategy of the region. The proposal made to MYR by the secretariat of the regional cooperation group highlighted the activity of start-ups in the region and especially the number of start-ups by young people. Both are lower than in other European countries.
In its statement, the provincial cooperation group encourages the following measures related to entrepreneurship to be taken into account: "The Northern Ostrobothnia Regional Cooperation Group calls on the regional development funding agencies to take into account in their decisions, in particular, measures aimed at young people's entrepreneurship and new concepts supporting entrepreneurship."
The regional cooperation group supports six projects to be funded under the EU's Regional and Structural Policy Programme for a Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027
Rethinking North – Year-round tourism success factor / ERDF group project
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Northeast Finland Development Company Naturpolis Oy
Sub-applicants: Salla Municipality (Lappi), Sotkamo Municipality (Kainuu), Ruka-Kuusamo Tourism Association, Suomussalmi Municipality (Kainuu) and Pudasjärvi Development Ltd
Total cost estimate: 2 784 883 € (P-P 545 891 €)
ERDF and State funding requested: 3 240 085 € (P-P 1 498 580 €, Kainuu 713 226 € and Lapland 380 263 €)
The aim of the project is to develop international tourism in the catchment area of Kuusasmo Airport. It develops new forms of business for tourism and the aim of the measures is to develop new products that reach international target groups.
More accessible Kurunpurto / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: City of Nivala
Total cost estimate: €1 266 403
ERDF and State funding requested: € 506 561
The project improves transport and logistics connections that are important for an SME by building plans for the Kurunpuhto area in Nivala. It enables the realisation of business investments in the region.
Junnkangas Industrial Park, Phase I / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: City of Ylivieska
Total cost estimate: € 2 653 893
ERDF and State funding requested: € 928 863
The project will improve the connections between transport and logistics in the Junnikankangas industrial park and support the realisation of business investments in the area. The project will include the construction of cobbled streets and a new connection to Ouluntie. In addition, the project will implement pedestrian and pedestrian routes.
Development of the Pentinkangas business area / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Municipality of Ii
Total cost estimate: € 700 000
ERDF and State funding requested: €280,000
The project will improve the links between transport and logistics for SMEs. It enables the realisation of business investments in the Iin Pentinkangas area and improves traffic safety. The project will build two plan roads in an industrial area.
Improving the accessibility of the Kalajoki Port Business Park / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: City of Kalajoki
Total cost: €1 191 710
Aid requested: € 715 026
The City of Kalajoki aims to promote the formation of a logistics centre in the Kalajoki Port Business Park through the project. The project will build the Satamatie and junction areas, which will enable the expansion of the port area. The project will improve transport connections that are important for companies and support the realisation of business investments in the Kalajoki port area.
Development of Ruutkangas transport areas / ERDF group project
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Municipality of Liminka
Sub-applicant: Municipality of Lumijoki
Total cost: 650 654 €
Aid requested: 260 262 €
The project improves the transportability of the Ruutkangas area and develops the operating environment of companies and businesses. It builds roads and parking areas within the Ruutkangas area and develops the lighting of roads and parking areas. The project under the Northern Ostrobothnia Tourism Strategy has a positive impact on the regional economy.
Risto Leppänen to the Provincial Cooperation Group Secretariat
The Provincial Cooperation Group appointed Risto Leppänen as a member of the secretariat of the Provincial Cooperation Group as of 1 May 2023. Leppänen will replace Vesa Matturi. Marjo Paavola was appointed as an alternate member of Leppänen.
Next meeting
The next meeting will take place on 28 September 2023.
Additional information: Heikki Ojala, Development Manager, tel. 050 4333951
the regional Cooperation Group agenda.
