03.05.2022
Futures Review of Northern Finland – the North is important for the growth, security of supply and security of Finland as a whole
The municipalities, regional federations and chambers of commerce of northern Finland have published a futures review on the significance of the north, security of supply, security and growth opportunities.
Traditionally, the ministries have published, at the end of the parliamentary term, future reviews, views on phenomena affecting their field of activity. In this same forward-looking spirit, an assessment of the future of the north has been prepared, in which the perspective is broader than Finland's territory. The title of the review is ‘Northern Futures Review – The Finnish Sampo and the Gate to the West’.
‘It is not a detailed list of the objectives or projects of advocacy in the region, but a general view of the strengths and developments that the State, in particular, would be justified in taking into account and exploiting for the benefit of the whole country. This is the opening of the debate and the justification for taking the northern perspective into account in national decision-making. The review also encourages strong Nordic cooperation in several strategic areas, from defence, security of supply and availability of labour," says the Mayor of Oulu. Day of Extensive.
Climate change is challenging humanity. The COVID-19 period, on the other hand, has brought to light new phenomena that emphasise the importance of the north, such as the increase in teleworking. Russia's war of aggression has brought into serious discussion the needs of security, national defence and security of supply. In this setting, the importance of the north is emphasized. The Futures Review states that while there are threats, there are the strengths, opportunities and factors in the North that will respond to the world's biggest future challenges.
“The North needs a Northern Growth Implementation Programme, the need and objectives of which are very well justified in the review. A new generation of shampoos has emerged in northern Finland, in which natural resources and knowledge about wealth and well-being are milled in a sustainable way. It is important for the competitiveness of Finland as a whole that the preconditions for continued growth in the north are secured", says the Development Director of the City of Kajaani. Risto Hämäläinen.
Security of supply, safety and accessibility
The review explains why the north is Finland's gateway to the west and is critical for our country's defence and security of supply. If traffic in the Baltic Sea is prevented or made more difficult, the northern link is vital for Finland's security of supply. This means a smooth connection to Sweden and Norway, but also connections with sufficient capacity within Finland to the north. Contacts with Sweden and Norway must be ensured, this is in the interest of the defence of the entire Nordic region.
The Futures Review proposes discussions at national level to implement infrastructure investments between the Nordic countries as part of the preparedness, security of supply and security policy.
Sustainable growth investments for the climate and Finland
According to a study previously published by the Lapland Chamber of Commerce, the investment potential in Northern Europe reaches €178 billion. The report took into account the investments in implementation, confirmed and planned, mainly until 2030. These results confirm the image of the north as a driver of industrial livelihoods and climate goals", says the Managing Director of the Lapland Chamber of Commerce Liisa Ansala.
The Futures Review encourages growth investments for the benefit of both the climate and Finland. In addition, the smooth licensing and road connections needed for wind power and mining investments should be ensured.
“The North is the key to Finland’s energy transition. Increasing wind power and high-skilled hydrogen initiatives will help us decouple from fossil fuels", emphasises the Regional Director of Northern Ostrobothnia. Pauli Harju.
The Futures Review estimates that it would be sensible to locate industrial production close to energy production in order to avoid losses in the transmission of energy and reduce the investments related to the transmission. Clean energy should be used in Finland to produce high value-added products instead of selling valuable green energy abroad.
Work and Factors
In the north, it is good to live and work for international experts. The giant investments in the north need a workforce and the change in lifestyle causes people to change, which is why we want to ensure the continuity of recruitment services for foreign labour in different regions.
In order to increase the availability of labour, the Northern Recruitment and Marketing Programme should be launched together with Sweden and Norway. A genuinely single working area must be created in the Bay of Bothnia to enable growth.
Regional development must move towards an innovation policy based on the strengths of the regions. The focus of innovation policy must be on increasing funding for education and, in particular, higher education, increasing investment in R&D and increasing the regional impact of higher education. This is the best way to achieve balanced regional development throughout Finland.
The Futures Review presents, among other things, energy tax incentives, labour tax incentives and other business subsidies to the north so that large-scale investments in Northern Finland are realised.
Additional information: Pauli Harju, Regional Director, Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, tel. +358 400 389 152
www.oulu.com/tulevaisuuskatsaus
