02.03.2023
Decisions of the Provincial Cooperation Group, 2 March 2023
Current project presentations
- Digital campus as part of vocational education, OSAO
- Oulu Area Diagnostic Development and Manufacturing Hub (DiHub), VTT
- Arts and culture tutors, City of Oulu
- HOP well-being, participation and coping, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Allocation of the granting powers of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in 2023
On 16 February 2023, the Government decided on the distribution of the 2023 funds of the Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027 EU Regional and Structural Policy Programme to the intermediate bodies. The proposal for the distribution of powers to the ELY Centres and Regional Councils is, in substance, in line with the proposals for regional funding plans. In view of the exceptionally large number of granting powers and in order to ensure efficient project financing and speed of disbursements, only 60% of the regional ERDF resources are proposed for distribution to the intermediate bodies at this stage. Regional JTF funds are also proposed to be distributed to the IBs at this stage for 60% of the mandate. The remainder of the mandate is proposed for distribution by decisions of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on the basis of the progress of project funding.
In principle, despite the phasing-in, each region and authority would be in the process of receiving its allocation under the initial funding plan, but in order to ensure sufficient funding rotation and programme performance, deviations from the initial plans could be made if the funding could not be used and there would be a clear need for additional funding elsewhere. In the coming years, deviations from the initial financial distribution may be adjusted accordingly. JTF funding can only be allocated to JTF regions. The non-allocated JTF funds in 2022 as well as the regional ESF+ funds are proposed for distribution to the IBs in full.
Provincial cooperation group supports 13 projects to be funded under the EU's regional and structural policy programme Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027
AWE – Arctic Water Excellence / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Council of Northern Savonia / Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia
Applicant: Savonia University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Sub-applicants: GTK, THL, University of Southeast Finland, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, University of Oulu, VTT, Kajaani Unit, University of Oulu
Total cost estimate 2 784 883 € (P-P 545 891 €)
ERDF and State funding requested 2 092 972 € (P-P 382 124 €)
The aim of the project is to help the development of new technologies and their piloting and implementation in water-intensive industries and the water supply sector. The activity promotes the formation of new innovations and new business in the sector.
State-of-the-art technology to support cattle farming – Development project/ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Natural Resources Institute Finland
Total cost estimate 406 473 €
ERDF and state funding requested 284 529 €
The advanced technology support for cattle farming project pair includes a development and investment project. The aim is to promote resource efficiency, animal health and competitiveness in the beef production chain, improve the research opportunities and resource efficiency of Luke's Ruukki testing station, and promote low-carbon beef production and business activities related to production animal technology.
State-of-the-art technology to support cattle farming – Investment project/ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Natural Resources Institute Finland
Total cost estimate 363 370 €
Requested ERDF and state funding 254 359 €
The equipment and systems to be procured form two entities. The first set of equipment consists of equipment purchased for Luke Ruukki's research yard, which measures and improves animal welfare, health and breeding conditions. The second entity consists of systems, the use and functionality of which are tested and studied in practical space conditions.
Hydrogen production and use opportunities as part of a local energy solution / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: University of Oulu
Total cost estimate 695 672 €
ERDF and state funding requested 486 970 €
The project studies the local production and use of hydrogen, especially for the needs of industry and heavy-duty transport. The project will also examine the suitability of solar hydrogen, i.e. hydrogen produced photocatalytically without electrical energy, and develop solutions based on it for local hydrogen production in Northern Finland.
Pre-Incubator for Scalable Business Programme / ESF+
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Applicant: City of Oulu
Total cost € 477 741
Aid requested 382 193 €
A well-functioning incubator complex is needed in the Oulu region to effectively support growth business and interest in growth entrepreneurship. The project's measures aim to increase the level of competence and readiness to react to changes in the business sector. In particular, the project aims to develop entrepreneurial capabilities with the aim of rapidly growing and scalable new business growth (start-up and scale-up).
Arts and culture tutors / ESF+
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Applicant: City of Oulu
Total cost 651 790 €
Aid requested 521 432 €
The aim of the project is to strengthen, develop and deepen the professional competence of early childhood education staff in arts and culture education.
HOP well-being, inclusion and coping / ESF+
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Main project: Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Sub-projects: Oulu University of Applied Sciences Ltd and the Municipality of Vaala
Total cost 720 484 €
Aid requested 576 388 €
The aim is to promote the well-being, inclusion and financial well-being of the most vulnerable local residents, to strengthen cooperation between networks and to increase the competence of different actors. The project will be implemented in Vaala, Ii, Nivala and Pudasjärvi by utilising solution-oriented co-creation, in which case municipality-specific target groups, developer customers, professionals and decision-makers as well as the third sector will be actively involved.
AVOT - Inclusion and agency from everyday networks / ESF+
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Main project: Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Sub-projects: Oulun Ev.-Lut. Parish Union and Helsinki Deaconess Institute Foundation sr.
Total cost € 728 151
Aid requested 582 520 €
The aim is to strengthen the inclusion and well-being of the most vulnerable local residents. The project develops new working and operating models that improve the quality of life of those in need of support. The project clarifies the roles, special expertise and work content of different actors, especially in substance abuse and mental health work.
fTwist – courage and resilience for business / ESF+
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Applicants: Oulu University of Applied Sciences Ltd, University of Oulu
Total cost 625 558 €
Aid requested 469 169 €
The aim of the project is to alleviate gender-based vertical and horizontal segregation in the labour market in Finland, promote the employment of women and the transition from work to work or entrepreneurship. At the same time, it promotes opportunities for women to advance in their careers and to increase their business management skills and those of women who are entrepreneurs.
Digital campus as part of vocational training / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Joint Municipal Authority for Education OSAO
Total cost estimate 1 525 281 €
Requested ERDF and state funding 1 067 697 €
The aim of the project is to design and implement virtual and simulation learning environments and interactive hybrid learning solutions that enable the collection of learning analytics data. The project builds solutions that enable phenomenon-based learning and take into account the needs of the field of education, as well as multidisciplinary virtual operating environments that simulate working life.
Mäntyselä road connection / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: City of Kuusamo
Total cost estimate 1 955 085 €
ERDF and State funding requested 977 542 €
The aim of the project, which was established to enable investments in the new Mäntyselä industrial area in the city of Kuusamo, is to build a road from highway 20 to the industrial area. The project involves the construction of Säynäjäjokientie and junction lanes, the implementation of drainage structures and road lighting, and the paving of the road.
SUBJECT - Increasing e-Business/ ERDF group project
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: University of Oulu
Sub-applicant: River Valley Joint Municipal Authority for Education, Centria University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Total cost estimate 751 676 €
ERDF and state funding requested 526 173 €
The aim is to find solutions to improve the profitability of companies, accelerate the adoption of new technologies and promote energy efficiency in the region. Electric and combustion-engine-powered commercial vehicles run convergent routes under the same conditions and collect comparable data on energy efficiency and emission reductions.
HEMIC – Heavy Metal Industry Cluster with a Research Hub/ERDF group project
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Centria University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Sub-applicant: Joint Municipal Authority for the Education of the River Valleys, City of Ylivieska
Total cost estimate 468 905 €
ERDF and state funding requested 328 234 €
The project studies and develops robotised production methods suitable for the needs of the metal industry, as well as the utilisation of collaborative robotics and remote control systems. The metals cooperation network to be established in the region will provide information on the utilisation of future production technologies.
HEMIC – Heavy Metal Industry Cluster with a Research Hub Investment Project/ERDF Group Project
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Centria University of Applied Sciences Ltd
Sub-applicant: River Valley Joint Municipal Authority for Education
Total cost estimate 274 050 €
Requested ERDF and state funding 191 835 €
The project will develop robotised production methods suitable for the needs of the metal industry and strengthen the research equipment infrastructure related to the theme. The investment project includes the definition, procurement, installation and commissioning of the robotized welding development environment and equipment.
Oulu Region Diagnostic Development and Manufacturing Hub (DiHub) / ERDF, group project
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd
Sub-applicants: Oulu University of Applied Sciences Ltd, University of Oulu
Total cost estimate 860 129 €
Requested ERDF and state funding 602 091 €
In the project, the aim of the PrintoCent research parties is to strengthen the regional development and manufacturing capabilities of rapid diagnostics in order to meet the increased challenges and testing needs of healthcare. The aim is to create a local operating environment for rapid diagnostics manufacturing (OuluDiHub).
Digital Capability for Vocational Education and Training / ESF+
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Applicant: Joint Municipal Authority for Education OSAO
Total cost € 859 095
Aid requested 687 276 €
The main objective of the project is to develop the staff of upper secondary vocational education and training, as well as the digital skills of students and those in working life, based on each individual's own starting point.
H2School - Hydrogen awareness for different organisations / ESF+
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Applicant: University of Oulu
Co-implementers: Oulu University of Applied Sciences Ltd, Joint Municipal Authority for Education OSAO
Total cost 416 734 €
Aid requested 333 388 €
The project produces information on hydrogen, its use and its potential for use by companies and educational organisations. A new kind of continuous learning training package, the hydrogen competence training path, enables students to participate in studies from upper secondary school and vocational school level to university level.
Direct employment – Centralised services for foreign workers (SOMPA) / ESF+
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Applicant: Haapavesi-Siikalatva joint municipal authority
Co-implementer: Haapaveden Opisto Support Association
Total cost 526 103 €
Aid requested 420 882 €
The aim is to alleviate labour and skills shortages through active recruitment. The target group is mainly immigrants and refugees from Eastern Europe. Labour and skills shortages are alleviated by searching for a workforce that meets the needs of employers abroad, mainly in Eastern Europe.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the secretariat of the Provincial Cooperation Group will be held on 5 April 2023.
the regional Cooperation Group agenda.
Additional information: Heikki Ojala, Development Manager, tel. 050 4333951
