16.06.2025
Blog: Northern Ostrobothnia's future looks bright
The economic review of the cooperative bank's regions highlights positive factors for the future of Northern Ostrobothnia. They are already known, but have been overlooked. Now, in connection with the preparation of the provincial programme, it is a good time to raise the provincial profile and be genuinely satisfied with the successes. At least the following can be extracted from the recently published economic review.
In Northern Ostrobothnia, the number of unemployed people per job vacancy is the third lowest in the whole country. The situation is the same in the whole of Northern Finland, which indicates a more positive economic development than in the rest of the country. On a long-term average, Northern Ostrobothnia is at the top of the country in terms of green transition investments, as well as in terms of population-related RDI investments.
The Cooperative Bank's economic review predicts that GDP growth in Northern Ostrobothnia will be the second fastest. The region's positive future is covered by the continuous increase in the number of employees. Employment growth has been at the level of other major provinces. When construction, which is important to the county, begins to rise, employment returns to a positive path.
Pirkanmaa has taken North Ostrobothnia's position as a region of growth. This is partly due to investments in support of the services sector and the development of an attractive living environment. The decisions made have created a positive spiral from which North Ostrobothnia can also learn. On the other hand, in times of global turmoil, North Ostrobothnia's logistical position as a gateway to the West also provides a good starting point for facing future challenges and continuing to grow.
The extensive scenario work carried out in the spring creates a vision for 2050. The starting point of the thesis was to open the horizon of the future realistically. Although the cracks in the operating environment are becoming more pronounced, there were more opportunities than threats in the scenarios. In particular: The European Renaissance The scenario provides a new perspective on current development, but also supports the strengths and cooperation openings of Northern Ostrobothnia.
The ongoing preparation of the provincial programme provides a good opportunity to participate in building a positive future and to put into practice the opportunities that emerged in the scenarios. Keep your eyes up and work together!
Oulu, 16 June 2025
Mikko Väisänen, Head of Research and Development
The provincial programme for Northern Ostrobothnia 2026-2029 will be prepared during the spring and autumn. The blogs written by experts from the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia cover the preparation process and themes related to the programme.
