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From an outsider's point of view, Northern Ostrobothnia is a mystery. The area resembles soap, which is not easy to get hold of. The image of Northern Ostrobothnia from the outside does not convey either a positive or a negative point of view. When you hear the word Northern Ostrobothnia, most people think of Oulu, Kärpät, Lestadianism, the North, technology, engineers and Nokia. Northern Ostrobothnia is often overshadowed by the great and powerful Oulu. It comes as a surprise to most that Northern Ostrobothnia is the fourth largest concentration of residents, jobs and businesses in the country. Or that the region's level of education is the third highest after Uusimaa and Pirkanmaa. In the area, it is also possible to throw one trump card over others, i.e. future capital in the form of children and young people. The county is overwhelmingly number one in research, development and innovation spending, especially …

In early 2020, tourism attracted both domestic and foreign visitors. Many forums had noted that tourism is a significant part of our economy, both at the national level and at the level of many municipalities. In the spring, tourism had to take a sudden stop, from full speed to zero in the middle of the heaviest season. Since spring 2020, we have been a virtually closed tourist area for international tourists. We anticipated the all-time domestic tourism summer, which it also was for many regions. The development between the regions was surprisingly different. Overnight stays registered in Northern Ostrobothnia in June-September 2020 were up (+2.9 %), e.g. in Lapland (-20,4 %) and Central Finland (-27.3 %) was not as successful. There were great differences in cooperation within our region. Kalajoki (+8.1 %) and Kuusamo (+27.4 %They showed their attraction. Destinations,…

The new Karelia CBC 2021-2027 programme funds Finnish-Russian cross-border cooperation. The programme has selected a policy objective, the implementation of which requires the development of a multi-sectoral cross-border strategy for the programme area, both in the cultural and tourism sectors. The strategies are prepared by the Euregio Karelia cooperation area in cooperation between the regions of Northern Ostrobothnia, North Karelia and Kainuu and the Russian Republic of Karelia.   To support the preparation of the strategies, we will conduct a survey of stakeholders on the most important themes of tourism and culture in cross-border cooperation. Please reply to the very short questionnaire by 31 March 2021: https://link.webropol.com/s/euregiokarelia2021 We also organise four stakeholder events to explore the views of stakeholders on the main needs, development themes and measures for cross-border cooperation in the field of culture and tourism. Cultural events will be held on 14 April and 23 April from 9 am to 12 noon. The events are the same. Tourist events are on 19.4. and 29.4. at 9-12.…

There are no things in the village on the doorstep Northern Ostrobothnia pampers us in cooperation with magnificent nature. It serves us seaside areas, coastal areas crossed by rivers, marshlands and highlands. The area of the region is about 25,500 km² of forest, and the area includes the national parks of Oulanka, Rokua and Syöte, as well as part of the Hossa National Park. The positive image is also confirmed by the 2017 Environmental Awareness Award, which was awarded to forests and peatlands in Northern Ostrobothnia, and the Rokua Geopark, Finland's first UNESCO Global Geopark. We are beginning to understand how important nature is to the quality and even continuity of life. Proven well-being effects include: recovery, lowering stress levels, slowing down the pulse, lowering blood pressure, increasing the body's multifaceted microbiota and various pleasure experiences.…

Northern Ostrobothnia boasts a young population base, universities, basic industry and successful growth companies. The region has world-leading research knowledge and technology in many of the growing fields of the future. The challenge is how to integrate our know-how and innovations into value chains and into global markets. Past success is not a guarantee of future success. Telecommunications technology is a local example, combining high-level expertise, active research and development, and successful international business. Over the years, Nokia has created a critical mass in the region that is credible and capable of operating globally in an extremely competitive industry. We have the full potential to continue to thrive in cooperation with products based on radio expertise, but this requires continuous research and development. Companies in the industry need to take care of active product development and…

The proposal for a national programme for the EU's regional and structural policy, Finland's Renewable and Skilled 2021-2027, and the related environmental report have been sent for an open consultation. Opinions on the programme proposal can be given until 16 April 2021. The programme proposal includes actions supported by the European European European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (ERDF) (ERDF) and the European European European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Plus (ESF+) (ESF). The programme will also include measures under the Just Transition Fund (JTF), which will be subject to an initial consultation in parallel. Statements can also be submitted until 16 April 2021. Funding for the programme consists of EU funding and national funding. In the programme proposal, the ERDF actions would contribute to the development of business- and working-life-driven research and innovation capacities of regions and businesses, digitalisation, sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, circular economy and increased local accessibility. ESF actions under the programme would support employment, skills, working life…

  Research, development and training activities aimed at micro-enterprises and their operating conditions are a necessary investment from the perspective of sustainable growth and development in Northern Ostrobothnia. There are 22.8 million micro-enterprises in the EU, representing 93.1% of the EU-28 business base and 29.4% of EU-28 jobs. Over the past ten years, micro-enterprises have produced almost one third of the net positive job change in the EU-28 (Eurostat 2021). In particular, by expanding two narrow areas, it is possible to strengthen the conditions for sustainable growth in micro-enterprises. Micro-enterprises have export potential In relation to neighbouring countries, there is room for growth especially in exports of micro-enterprises. According to Eurostat, micro-enterprises in Finland produce only 3.9% of the total value of exports, compared to 14.6% in Sweden. By this measure, Finland is among the last in Europe. Information needed to catch the development gap…

Recording of the event. Presentations at the event: Tiina Rajala, Heikki Ojala, Riitta Ilola, Anne Pulkkanen

The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region wishes a happy International Women's Day. The traditional reception was not organised this year due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The municipalities of Northern Ostrobothnia will soon have access to support packages in cooperation with information and tips on the themes of promoting well-being and health. The first of these is the cultural well-being package and the video leading to it. Over the past few years, culture has grown strongly into a part of development work and practical actions in the broad spectrum of well-being and health promotion. The same is true of Northern Ostrobothnia. The effects of culture on well-being are well-recognised and well-recognised. There is already a wealth of information and practical experience available. In order for the necessary information to be conveyed in an easy form to practical stakeholders in municipalities, it has now been worked on into a concise form of support package. From there, municipalities can pick up information and tips according to their own needs as part of their operations. Additional help is available from the Northern Ostrobothnia Cultural Welfare Network (POPku). The drafted support package…