22.02.2023
Decisions of the Secretariat of the Provincial Cooperation Group, 22 February 2023
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 and regional ESF+ resources in 2022 are proposed for distribution to the IBs
in full.
Open calls for applications
The open calls for applications under the Renewing and Skilled Finland 2021 – 2027 programme can be found on the website: EURA 2021: Call for applications
The Secretariat of the Provincial Cooperation Group supports one project to be funded under the Finnish Structural Funds Programme for Sustainable Growth and Jobs 2014-2020
Efficient remote working of teams / ESF
Funded by: Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Applicant: University of Oulu
Total cost estimate 94 306 €
Aid requested 66 014 €
The project implements team coaching to increase the rapid change capability of companies and entrepreneurs in a changed work environment. A key tool for coaching that supports the efficient remote working of teams is video analysis of companies' remote team meetings.
The Secretariat of the Provincial Cooperation Group supports 13 projects to be funded under the EU's Regional and Structural Policy Programme for Sustainable Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027
Urban Centre of the Desired Future / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Oulu Business Centre
Total cost estimate 347 506 €
ERDF and state funding requested 243 255 €
The Toivo project produces solutions for adapting to climate change in the northern city centre. It highlights services and businesses that support sustainable consumerism and ensure the long-term vitality of the city centre. The participatory work will implement the business environment in the Arctic, in line with the New European Bauhaus initiative of the EU Green Deal, and create a climate-resilient urban centre.
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.
Pre-Incubator for Scalable Business Environment / ERDF
Funded by: North Ostrobothnia ELY/ERDF, operating environment development grant
Applicant: City of Oulu/Business Oulu
Total cost 215 606 €
Aid requested 172 484 €
There is a significant shortage of new start-ups in the Oulu region. The project addresses the problem from the point of view of team formation and the development of the operating environment. The problem is addressed from three perspectives: networking of customers, creation of a community forum and further development of cooperation between regional start-up ecosystem actors.
NOHEVA - Low-carbon crisis preparedness building from wood construction and tourism / ERDF
Funded by: North Ostrobothnia ELY/ERDF, operating environment development grant
Applicant: University of Oulu
Total cost 258 556 €
Aid requested 184 683 €
The project strengthens the recognition of Northern Ostrobothnia as a concentration of solid wood construction, where companies network, their operations are crisis-proof and based on low-carbon solutions. Businesses' knowledge of combining industrial and nature tourism is supported. Municipalities will be helped to identify the opportunities of companies as providers of services related to wood construction and tourism.
Preliminary study of potential hydrogen rock storage sites / ERDF
Responsible authority: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Applicant: Geological Survey of Finland
Total cost estimate 148 305 €
ERDF and State funding requested 103 812 €
The aim of the project is to find the rock blocks in the North Ostrobothnia area that are best suited for the construction of an underground hydrogen storage facility.
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.
No support for one project
The secretariat of the regional cooperation group does not support the project 'Energy for the future' to be funded by the Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021 – 2027 programme. The applicant for the project is Pohjois-Suomen Messut r.y.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the secretariat of the Provincial Cooperation Group will be held on 21 March 2023.
