defris common report wp3 27.4.2007 - · pdf filedefris – development of first division...

Defris – D E V E L O P M E N T O F F I R S T D I V I S I O N R E G I O N S A project part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund)

within the BSR INTERREG III B Programme

Defris Partners:

ÖSTSAM – Regional Development Council of Östergötland, SE Regional Council of Central Finland, FI Regional Council of Pohjois – Savo, FI Kaunas County Governor´s Administration, LT Regional Authority of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, PL



Publisher

Regional Council of Central Finland Address: Sepänkatu 4, 40100 JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland Tel.: +358- (0) 20 7560 200 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.keskisuomi.fi

Editor

Satu Heikkinen Publication

B 159 ISBN 978-951-594-299-3 ISBN 978-951-594-300-0 (electronic) ISSN 0788-7043

Edition: 100 copies Cover: Rafal Modrzewski Printing: University of Jyväskylä University Printing House

Jyväskylä 2007

200



1

1

April 2007

Work Package 3 Sustainable Regional Development Strategies and Networks Contents

Introduction 2

The aim of the Work Package 3 4

Connection between Work Packages 6

Working process and methods 7

Work in Milestone 2 9




Results of Work Package 3 – Projects and thematic discussions 15

Conclusions of the development strategies and networks 17

Appendix 1: List of regional reports and studies 23

Appendix 2: Project information formulas (13)

25

200



2

2

Introduction The Defris project concerns the development of what we call First Division Regions, i.e. regions, which follow in ranking the metropolitan areas. The Defris regions are medium-sized regions located geographically outside the metropolitan region, but still in its sphere of influence. The partners of DEFRIS project in Sweden, Finland, Lithuania and Poland belong to the First Division of these countries. They are smaller than the capitals of these countries but bigger and more attractive from the point of economic activity than the medium sized towns or cities. The idea of DEFRIS project is to stimulate an economic development as a sustainable way. Together with the national metropolitan areas the DEFRIS regions have been seen as potential growth centres around the Baltic Sea. The network of DEFRIS regions creates a process of co-operation to get an extra surplus value about experiences in neighbouring countries. Actually a transfer of information is a key-issue in creation of new solutions in an economic development process of regions. The DEFRIS regions (Figure 1) in the project are: Partner 1 Östergotland (Sweden) Partner 2 Central Finland (Finland) Partner 3 Pohjois-Savo (Finland) Partner 4 Kaunas Region (Lithuania) Partner 5 Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship (Poland)

Figure 1. Defris regions in the strong influence of metropolitan areas

200



3

3

Predominant general development processes strengthens metropolitan areas. However, the Defris regions have a special development and growth potential of their own in terms of size and location. A major factor of economic development has been seen in physical infrastructures, especially connecting road, railway, sea and air-route systems as well as functioning logistical systems of the production in these medium sized cities. Medium-sized regions outside the geographic influence of metropolitan areas can develop networks together with other regions to strengthen their joint competitiveness in order to keep up with the competition in metropolitan areas (Figure 2). The third Work Package of Defris project aims to answer to the questions of how these first division regions can benefit from the growth of metropolitan areas by implementing strategic projects. In the Work Package 3 the data collected in previous two Work Packages was utilized.

An important starting point for each partner was to provide general geographical lines for the most essential development areas, i.e. the approximate “hub areas” or development zones of the region. The underlining idea is that as the growth areas expand, the surrounding areas are assimilated into one urban structure from the point of view of employment areas, business life and public service structure. The growth pattern described above seems to develop along corridors as a chain-like structure called a development zone. The thinking behind the development zone process has been seen as a way to a holistic and balanced regional development. On the other hand the development zone is a tool in guiding the growth trend towards sustainable development in the region.

DEFRIS REGIONS;DEFRIS REGIONS;MEDIUM SIZED REGIONSMEDIUM SIZED REGIONSpossibilitiespossibilities toto-- buildbuild upup relationsrelations

withwith otherother nearbynearby regionsregions-- taketake advantageadvantage of theof therelationsrelations to to metropolitanmetropolitanregionsregions

GEOGRAPHICGEOGRAPHICINFLUENCEINFLUENCE

METROPOLITANMETROPOLITANAREAAREA

NETWORKS BETWEEN NETWORKS BETWEEN MEDIUM SIZED REGIONSMEDIUM SIZED REGIONS

HUB AREA=HUB AREA=JOINT COMPETITIVENESSJOINT COMPETITIVENESS

Dependence and competitionto metropolitan area

Figure 2. Defris regions with their own development power

200



4

4

The aim of Work Package 3 The aim of Work Package 3 was to formulate development strategies which enhance regional competitiveness. The strategic focus of Work Package 3 was on the development projects of the First Division Regions. The strategic projects, chosen by the partners and implemented during the Defris project, provided answers to questions on different themes of regional development. The projects had been chosen so that they provided solutions to a topical problem, challenge or so-called bottleneck preventing development in the Defris region. The strategic projects have highlighted, for example, the following regional challenges: Partner 1 in Sweden: the challenges related to the integration of two economic

regions favoured by fast transport and connections and, on the other hand, the development of services in rural areas

Partner 2 and 3 in Central Finland and Pohjois-Savo: the concentration of population,

economy and services; enhancing the development opportunities of sparsely populated areas

Partner 4 in Lithuania: the development of services (focusing on tourism) and their

accessibility, improvement of transport and connections; to use the geographical location of the region as a factor for economical development.

Partner 5 in Poland: the improvement of transport connections, enhancing public and

commercial services as well as their accessibility, increasing the significance of tourism as a factor of socio-economic development

The framework of Work Package 3 is set in the BSR program primarily in order to promote balanced polycentric settlement structures. Polycentric settlement structure refers here to a structure in which different-sized growth centres are evenly distributed within the region. According to this view, it is possible to achieve a balance between growth centres and sparsely populated areas and ensure the vitality of both of them, provided that growth points are evenly distributed. Polycentricity also refers to a nested structure, in which there are several medium-sized growth areas within the region, and these in turn include several smaller areas with their own growth points. It has been argued that the greatest potential of Interreg in contributing to polycentric development is at the regional micro level. On the other hand, at the transnational level, the establishment of cooperation patterns could be regarded as an implementation of relational polycentricity (Nordregio working paper 2006:2, 9). The Defris project partners took up the need to strengthen transnational cooperation through common challenges. Within the international cooperation of the Defris project, interest has not focused so much on the detailed contents and final results of the individual projects as on backgrounds, objectives, policies, research and analysis methods, and each partner’s regional development tools and topical themes. Therefore the Defris project, as part of the BSR program, has the opportunity to influence how regions perceive their own roles and positions in the wider European picture.

200



5

5

This common report describes the basics and the progression of Work Package 3 from the identification of development zones and choice of regional development projects to the search for clearer connections between the projects of the partners and, finally, to the transfer of knowledge and experience between connected activities. This report also describes the results of the third Work Package, as well as outlining the conclusions regarding development strategies and networks in the Defris regions. The report emphasizes the process of Work Package 3 rather than the results of the individual projects. Together with five regional appendices (Partner reports), this is the joint part of Work Package 3 (Figure 3). The partners have also produced several regional project reports concerning Work Package 3, such as larger studies, questionnaires and maps in each partner’s mother tongue. A list of produced WP3 regional reports and studies is attached to this report (Appendix 1).

Figure 3. Work Package 3 report structure

COMMON REPORT

Project information formulas

Work Package 3 Common report (1) (eng.)

Work Package 3 Partner reports (5) (eng.) PARTNER

REPORT

PROJECT REPORT

Partner’s regional Work Package 3 Project reports and other studies

Common report + appendices (5 Partner reports) = Joint part of the Work Package 3

200



6

6

Connection between Work Packages There has been a close connection between the four Work Packages (Figure 4). The Defris project started with two Work Packages in which background information was collected. The basic concept of Work Package 1 and Work Package 2 was to develop a good mutual understanding of regional circumstances (Work Package 1) and the various organizations involved (Work Package 2). In the third Work Package, the project partners have utilized the data collected in Work Package 1 and Work Package 2 in choosing and implementing the strategic projects. The fourth Work Package consists of the dissemination of project results. Work Package 1 and Work Package 2 were carried out during Milestones 1-3. Work Package 3 work started on Milestone 3 (Figure 5).

Regional circumstances (WP1) and organizations (WP2)

WP1 Socio –economic

analysis, spatial conditions and

comparisons

WP2 Sustainable regional spatial planning and

working methods

WP3Sustainable regional

development strategies and networks

- Chosen strategic projects

WP4Dissemination and presentation of the

Defris projects

Figure 4. The connection between Work Packages

Figure 5. Work packages on a time line

MS1 2004 MS2 2005 MS3 2005 MS4 2006 MS5 2006 MS6 2007

WP 1

WP4

WP 2

WP 3

200



7

7

Working process and methods Work Package 3 was implemented between 1.1.2005 and 31.12.2006 in four six-month periods (Milestones 2-5). The project proceeded as a process starting from the choice and realization of strategic projects, ending in transnational cooperation and conclusions in the form of common reports and analyses. The realization of Work Package 3 can be presented in five steps (Figure 6):

1. Identification and visualization of development zones; choice and realization of regional development projects

2. Search for clearer connections between partner projects 3. Intensified contacts between the partners based on shared interests or common subjects 4. Transfer of knowledge and experience between activities 5. Conclusions on strategies and networks in the First Division Regions

During the planning and implementation of the chosen strategic projects, transnational cooperation between the partners deepened. Common points were actively sought and project information formulas, activity fact sheets and a project group matrix were used in describing the activities and the projects. To follow up the goals of Work Package 3, each project provided answers to a list of key questions. The transnational work methods consisted of project presentations by the partners, discussion and group sessions in seminars (5 seminars) and work group meetings (4 meetings). The results of the seminars and work group meetings were also reported and combined in matrices and tables to outline the progress of the process. In addition to the discussions and communication at the meetings, the partners agreed to produce a newsletter in order to share their work with each other between the joint meetings. The newsletter was published six times during Work Package 3. The results of the strategic regional projects are reported more in detail in separate five Partner reports. Partners have also produced several project reports, studies and other material during Work Package, see list of them (Appendix 1).

200



8

8

Figure 6. Working process of Work Package 3

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE DEVELOP-MENT ZONES - Visualization and

identification of the target areas

2. REALIZATION OF THE REGIONAL PROJECTS AND SEARCH FOR CONNECTIONS - Project information

formulas

3. LISTING SMALLER ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PROJECT, INTENSIFIED CONTACTS - Activity fact sheets

5. STRATEGIES AND NETWORKS FOR DEFRIS REGIONS Common report, Partner reports, Project reports

4. TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE - Work group sessions

and discussions - Exchange of studies - Project presentations - Thematic questionnaires - Exchange of

information, e-mails and newsletters

- Project group matrix - Answering to the list of

key questions

ACTIVITIES

PROJECTS

200



9

9

Work in Milestone 2 Identification and visualization of development zones and choice of regional development projects During Milestone 2, the Defris partners identified and described the development zones and chose the strategic projects in their regions guided by Work Package 3 goals. This work was done in the following seminars and work group meetings: Transnational Seminar 2 February 2005, in Norrköping, Sweden Work Group Meeting 1, April 2005, in Jyväskylä, Finland Transnational Seminar 3, June 2005, in Torun, Poland Initially, an important starting point for choosing development projects was for each partner to provide general geographical lines for the most important development areas. There was a shared view that the development potential of these areas would be highly significant for the overall competitiveness of the region, i.e. for the interplay with other regions and metropolitan areas as well as for the interplay and development between the central parts and the peripheries in each region. Information on Defris ‘growth corridors’ was gathered during Work Package 1 and Work Package 2. This identification and visualization of development zones was used as a basis for the chosen development projects during Work Package 3. The development zones were estimated and analysed in terms of area of the regional or interregional zones, distances in kilometres, road/railway/air/sea connections (travel time, quality, capacity, frequency), inhabitants (in cities/zones), population centres - sparsely populated areas, commuting, number and sector of enterprises within the zone, access to international markets, competitive advantages (know-how etc.), geography, and environment. Following development zones were used as a basis for the strategic projects in Work Package 3:

Östergötland • Östergötland region – Stockholm region (interregional relations) • Östergötland region (relations within the region)

Central Finland • Äänekoski – Jyväskylä – Jämsä –zone in the region • Tampere – Jyväskylä – Kuopio –interregional zone • Central Finland – Helsinki metropolitan area

Pohjois-Savo • Tampere – Jyväskylä – Kuopio (three-city zone) • Varkaus - Kuopio – Iisalmi (within the region)

Kaunas • Vilnius–Kaunas metropolitan area – Kaunas-Kaisiadorys district municipalities • Raseiniai – Kedainai – Jonava area

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship • Bydgoszcz-Toruń metropolitan area (interregional relations) • Włocławek functional area (relations within the region) • Noteć Basin area (interregional relations)

200



10

10

The conscious and ambitious basis for the Work Package was the realization of strategic projects from the perspective and needs of the Defris regions. The contents of the partner projects were not strictly steered towards the same research questions. On the contrary, the projects were to flexibly answer to regional needs in bettering competitiveness and in creating networks and connections towards the metropolitan region and other areas. During project work in Milestone 2, a total of 13 preliminary strategic pilot projects were named and presented in the meetings and seminars (Table 1).

DEFRIS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PARTNER

1. Development of the region through links to metropolitan area

Östergötland

2. Development of the region through balance between centre and periphery

Östergötland

3. “Regionalization” – study and strategy Central Finland

4. Commercial service networks and future scenarios Central Finland

5. Studies of potential for business and transport Central Finland

6. Development zone of Kuopio - Jyväskylä Pohjois-Savo

7. Development zone of Iisalmi-Kuopio-Varkaus Pohjois-Savo

8. Commercial services now and in the future Pohjois-Savo

9. Jonava-Kedainiai-Raseiniai development zone Kaunas

10. Kaunas-Kaisiadorys districts development zone Kaunas

11. The Bydgoszcz – Torun Metropolitan Area as the development zone

Kujawsko-Pomorskie

12. Shaping the function of Włocławek as a regional centre Kujawsko-Pomorskie

13. The conception of the economic development of the Noteć River Valley

Kujawsko-Pomorskie

The choice of development projects was associated with a systematic process, whereby various proposals were gradually sorted and in some cases adapted to each other. During the process, the partners came up with agreements over the content and points of contact in the projects selected within Work Package 3. The local aims and the progression of the implemented strategic project in each Defris region are reported in separate Work Package 3 Partner reports and Project reports.

Table 1. Work Package 3 strategic development projects

200



11

11

In order to identify common themes and research areas, the regional projects of the Defris partners were listed in a table (Table 2). The projects were divided and grouped in the table according to two aspects: geographic dimension (interregional, regional centre, surrounding areas) and subject area (transport, business development, services). The table supported the comparisons and discussions surrounding the concepts and suggestions of the partners.

The partners described the various project concepts using special project information formulas (Figure 7). The formulas consist of key information on each project and were completed as the projects proceeded. The project information formulas are attached to this Work Package 3 common report and provide detailed information about the chosen regional projects. The descriptions of each Defris region and the objectives of the chosen regional projects are reported in more detail in the separate partner reports. The chosen projects describe the present situation and potential of the Defris regions from the perspectives of traffic and connections, services, economic life and, in particular, tourism. In many of the projects, transport, connections, tourism, and services are the key factors for the desired development and thus the main focus of the project.

TRANSPORT

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

SERVICES

INTERREGIONAL REGIONAL CENTRE

SURROUNDING AREAS

STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WP3 Project information formula

Name of Defris partner

Name of the project

Contact person(s), contact information

Implementation time period

Main objective, end result

Activities (per MS if possible)

WP3 results and indicators • What are identified and established networks in

the project • What are the key questions analyzed in the

project for interregional and regional development

• In what way the project shows how a region can develop in co-operation with other regions in interregional development zones

Implementation network (national)

Co-operation with Defris partners

Utilization and dissemination of experiences and results

Additional information and material

Figure 7. Project information formula

Table 2. Project grouping

200



12

12

Work in Milestone 3 Search for clearer connections between partner projects During Work Package 3 Milestone 3, the partners designed and partly implemented the chosen projects. Milestone 3 was characterized by continued discussions on the launched and planned projects, based on the project information formulas and project grouping chart. During Milestone 3, the comparisons of the projects were deepened and particularized in two seminars and one work group meeting: Work Group Meeting 2, September 2005, in Kuopio, Finland Transnational Seminar 4, November 2005, in Wloclawek, Poland Only a rather general comparison of themes and subjects was possible based on the project descriptions and the abovementioned table. Following active communication and exchange of information, a discussion arose surrounding the need to further develop the table so that it would more clearly present the connections between the activities within the projects. The project descriptions were also deepened by describing the activities within each project (e.g. part of a study, research methods) to allow a more detailed view of project contents. These “opened projects” were listed as smaller activities and combined in the activity fact sheets.

Work in Milestone 4 Intensified contacts between partners based on shared interests or common subjects During Work Package 3 Milestone 4, the partners continued to plan and implement their respective projects. The presentations on more detailed activities continued in seminars and work group meetings: Work Group Meeting 3, March 2006, in Linköping, Sweden Transnational Seminar 5, May 2006, in Kaunas, Lithuania This stage of the project focused on thematizations, categorizations and listings of implemented projects. In a way, the projects were actively processed through different tools in order to allow their comparison. During this important stage, around twenty activities were sorted into three main groups: 1A Service and tourism, 1B Business and regional development, and 2A Infrastructure and communication. The division highlighted the evident connection between the projects and activities launched and planned by the partners, i.e., there were clear needs for more intensive transfer of knowledge and experience during the latter part of Work Package 3. The division thus established the basis for intensified contacts between the partners.

200



13

13

Work in Milestone 5 Transfer of knowledge and experience between activities and conclusions of strategies and networks in the First Division Regions During Work Package 3 Milestone 5, the partners continued the implementation of the individual projects. The partners presented the results of the regional strategic projects for the other Defris partners in the seminars and meetings. Milestone 5 was characterized by discussions regarding the proposals for closer cooperation between the activities. Several fruitful suggestions, tools and discussions took place and were used to outline the methodological ways to operate. Notions of the challenges for competitiveness and regional development in each Defris region were also more actively taken up. The transnational work methods consisted of project presentations by the partners, discussion and group sessions in a seminar and in two work group meetings: Work Group Meeting 4, September 2006, in Kaunas, Lithuania Extra Work Group Meeting, October 2006, in Jyväskylä, Finland Transnational Seminar, November-December 2006, in Jyväskylä, Finland

Thematic discussion was established in seminars, work group meetings, correspondence, and newsletters during the realization of Work Package 3. The following inter-partner small-scale comparisons and questionnaires were drafted:

• Questionnaire on transport and connections • Tourism - Comparison of the preconditions of development and importance of

tourism in the regions • Questionnaire on services

As the Work Package 3 proceeded, the partners more strongly emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation. After the seminar and work group meetings, each partner prepared a presentation or report for the next meeting, based on a project or activity, in order to provide answers to the questions and discussions. The presentations were therefore guided by the discussions of the partners. The partners acquainted themselves with each other’s activities during the summer and fall of 2006. They wrote up subjects of interest and replies with the aid of the list ‘closer cooperation proposals’. The partners agreed to write down a list of contacts in order to describe the intensified contacts between the partners and activities. The contacts between the projects were gathered into a matrix (Matrix 1).

200



14

14

The matrix shows the final points of closer cooperation between the activities. The grey fields in the matrix indicate cooperation between the activities in question. Cooperation here refers to e.g. the following activities: the partners have presented the methods and results of the activity more in detail to each other, participated in the same discussions and small group work, or exchanged inquiries or research papers with each other. Communication between the activities presented in the matrix was really active at the final stage of Work Package 3. For example, in September-October 2006, the partners reported having sent a total of 150 messages relating to the results and experiences of the implemented projects. At the end of Milestone 5, the results of the strategic projects could be evaluated, reflecting the aims of Work Package 3. The regional project reports and studies were completed and the project information formulas were updated and the results of the projects were analysed with the help of a check list of key questions reflecting the aims of the Defris project.

Matrix 1. Cooperation matrix between activities

Prom

otio

n of

tour

ist c

entr

es (P

S)

Tour

ism

as

a fa

ctor

of b

usin

ess

and

econ

omic

al a

ctiv

atio

n (K

P)

Opp

ortu

nitie

s of

com

mun

icat

ion

and

tran

spor

t sys

tmen

s in

the

peri

pher

y (K

)

The

impo

rtan

ce o

f Wlo

claw

ek a

s a

serv

ice

cent

re (K

P)

Com

mer

cial

ser

vice

net

wor

k of

Cen

tral

Fi

nlan

d (C

F)

Com

mer

cial

ser

vice

net

wor

k of

Poh

jois

-Sa

vo (P

S)

Serv

ice

and

com

mun

icat

ions

(Ö)

Aspe

cts

on d

evel

opin

g Ce

ntra

l Fin

land

’s

com

petit

iven

ess

(CF)

Cent

ral F

inla

nd p

rom

otio

n ev

ent (

CF)

Det

erm

inan

ts o

f ser

vice

s an

d bu

sine

ss

deve

lopm

ent (

KP)

Cond

ition

s in

the

deve

lopm

ent c

orri

dor

(Ö)

Thre

ats

and

oppo

rtun

ities

with

inte

grat

ion

(Ö)

Prom

otio

n bu

sine

ss p

arks

(PS)

Geo

grap

hica

l loc

atio

n as

the

fact

or o

f ec

onom

ical

dev

elop

men

t (K)

New

sol

utio

ns fo

r pu

blic

tran

spor

t (Ö

)

Alte

rnat

ive

rail

tran

spor

t sol

utio

ns (Ö

)

Road

9 d

evel

opm

ent z

one

(CF)

The

deve

lopm

ent P

lan

of H

irva

skan

gas

–are

a (C

F)

Prom

otio

n of

(com

mut

ing)

trai

n tr

affic

(PS)

Mai

n Ro

ad 9

(PS)

Tran

spor

t sys

tem

s in

BTM

A - a

bilit

ies

and

prob

lem

s (K

P)

Dev

elop

men

t of c

omm

unic

atio

ns a

nd

tran

spor

t sys

tem

s (K

)

Opp

ortu

nitie

s of

ser

vice

dev

elop

men

t in

the

peri

pher

y (K

)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 Promotion of tourist centres (PS)

2Tourism as a factor of business and economical activation (KP)

3Opportunities of service development in the periphery (K)

4The importance of Wloclawek as a service centre (KP)

5Commercial service network of Central Finland (CF)

6Commercial service network of Pohjois-Savo (PS)

7 Service and communications (Ö)

1Aspects on developing Central Finland’s competitiveness (CF)

2 Central Finland promotion event (CF)

3Determinants of services and business development (KP)

4Conditions in the development corridor (Ö)

5Threats and opportunities with integration (Ö)

6 Promotion business parks (PS)

7Geographical location as the factor of economical development (K)

1 New solutions for public transport (Ö)

2 Alternative rail transport solutions (Ö)

3 Road 9 development zone (CF)

4The development Plan of Hirvaskangas –area (CF)

5Promotion of (commuting) train traffic (PS)

6 Main Road 9 (PS)

7Transport systems in BTMA - abilities and problems (KP)

8Development of communications and transport systems (K)

9

Opportunities of communication and transport systmens in the periphery (K)In

fras

truc

ture

and

com

mun

icat

ions

Busi

ness

pro

mot

ion

and

regi

onal

dev

elop

men

tSe

rvic

es (a

nd to

uris

m)

Business promotion and regional development

= COOPERATION BETWEEN ACTIVITIES

Infrastructure and communicationsServices (and tourism)

200



15

15

Results of Work Package 3 – Projects and thematic discussions The objective of the project was to promote the competitive strength of the Defris regions. The competitiveness and development potential of a region are a broad subject area and associated with various themes. Medium-sized regions have the opportunity to preserve their attractiveness, in particular, through the development of cooperation networks and the implementation of strategic projects. The strategic regional projects implemented in the Work Package 3 of the Defris project describe in practice how the First Division regions can develop in cooperation with other areas in defined development zones. The project information formulas are attached to this Work Package 3 common report and provide detailed information about the strategic regional projects. Smaller inquiries and thematic discussions produced during Work Package 3 describe, for their part, the current key questions arising from regional development activities. The projects describe how region-specific development of population and economy is connected with the development of traffic, transport, connections, and services. On the other hand, the projects also deal with the requirements which a Defris region should be able to meet in order to keep up with development and the competitive situation between regions, as well as highlighting the ways to activate and develop business. Several projects define and examine the Defris region as an operational entity. Some of the projects describe the situation more theoretically, while others have produced more detailed information for regional planning and marketing. The projects successfully describe how unique the European regions actually are and how their development calls for projects specifically targeted at them. The theme is entangled with the regional structure of the EU in an interesting way, in which larger and smaller regions benefit from and simultaneously depend on each other. In this respect, the Defris regions have the opportunity to find an operational balance and to influence it by contributing to the development of, for example, transport and connections, services and tourism. The strategic projects chosen by the partners and implemented during the Defris project provided answers to questions on different themes of regional development. The Work Package 3 strategic projects have strengthened the identity and competitive advantage of the Defris regions within the influence of a metropolitan region for instance regarding the following common themes:

• enhancing the possibilities of cooperation within the development zones (all

partners) • promoting the variety of living environments in the region and the area as an

attractive living environment for commuters (Östsam) • forming a common vision and business cluster plan for a new functional housing

area (Central Finland) • proposing a cross-regional, integrated, strategic development plan for tourism

development, taking advantage of the location, the improved transport connections and the natural resources of the region (Pohjois-Savo, Kaunas)

• proposing new development trends (services based on new technologies, tourism, etc) for target municipalities and developing them as regional engines (Kaunas)

• supporting districts to identify themselves as active participants of the bigger development zone (Kujawsko – Pomorskie Voivodeship)

200



16

16

The projects implemented in the Work Package 3 of the Defris project deal with the relationship of the Defris regions with the metropolitan region, as well as dealing with the relationship between rural areas and smaller growth centres. The Work Package 3 strategic projects have supported the region’s polycentric structure, for instance, by

• finding new ways to distribute traffic in sparsely populated areas and connecting

smaller towns to the surrounding areas (shorter travel times to the metropolitan area will also have an influence on the smaller surrounding towns)

• enhancing the possibilities to live in rural areas and smaller settlements • promoting smaller towns as important nodes for commuting on a sub-regional level • promoting the area as a link between a centre and provincial areas • promoting public services in smaller towns • suggesting a structure of services in municipalities in order to decentralize service

supply • proposing ways to develop services and economic activities along the interregional

development/transport corridor in order to increase decentralization The regional strategic projects implemented in the Work Package 3 have established new networks, produced information for regional development, and strengthened the vitality of the regions. In addition, the five partners involved in the Defris project have compared and shared their experiences of the projects, the key issues of regional development, and the cooperation networks generated in the project.

200



17

17

Conclusions of the development strategies and networks Networks and new processes

During the implementation of the projects, new strategic ways to operate have evolved, as opposed to the region’s normal processes. The projects strengthen the ordinary development work carried out in the region by offering the opportunity to add focus on interregional questions which are not normally part of the regional agenda. For instance, new cooperation activities were proposed in order to target district and town municipalities irrespective of administrative and territorial borders. A number of conferences and working meetings were held, in which it was possible to take action and implement projects in cooperation with local self-governments. Through the projects and regional work groups, the supervision of the interests of the regions sharpened towards national administration. As a result, the Defris project functioned as a tool or policy for regional and local authorities. New supportive networks or points of support emerged during the project, such as the Chamber of Commerce, which has supported the Defris projects in Sweden and Finland, as well as the cooperation with the Association of Towns and Communes in Poland. The Defris partners have reported that e.g. the following networks have been developed during the implementation of the strategic projects:

• cooperation between municipalities and regional (development) councils (all partners)

• interregional networks between persons working on spatial planning issues (all partners)

• networks of local politicians and planners (all partners) • connections to the private sector, foremost non-commercial groups (all partners) • dialogue between regional and local institutions as well as between different fields

of specialisation was enhanced (several partners) • cooperation with statistical offices and external experts (several partners) • contacts to national governments and rail administration (Östsam, Pohjois-Savo,

Central Finland) • connections of regional councils (spatial planning) to local representatives of

commerce and regional development companies (Central Finland, Pohjois-Savo) • networks of regional and municipal authorities, specialized units for urban planning

and development, specialized units for the management of transport and transport systems (Kaunas, Kujawsko – Pomorskie Voivodeship)

200



18

18

Based on project results and experiences, the winning strategies of the regions can be described as follows:

Strategic choices in regional development A region’ winning strategy consists of both locating and defining its own strengths in relation to the metropolitan region and of developing the division into operational areas within the region, the relationship between the centre and sparsely populated areas, and the so-called cluster choices. It will be important for future development to support strategically located, not too small settlements along the major communication corridors to develop or maintain their status as “strongholds” of service and communication in the rural areas. Certain branches of the economy, especially crucial service branches, should be supported, and public service providers should be stimulated to work so that they can remain in the strongholds. Travel and tourism are central targets for development in two Defris region projects, offering opportunities for the development of economy and services in the entire region. The region can be developed, above all, by renewing and improving existing infrastructure and services in order to meet the demand of tourism. The growing trends in trade include corporate concentration, chaining and internationalization. The appeal and success of commercial concentrations in medium-sized regions is based on special trade units. The vitality of commercial centres in sparsely populated areas can be supported by the public sector (e.g. land use planning, opening hours) and by profiling the village or town community through targeted development projects.

Sufficient transport, connections, and basic structure of services All the projects emphasize fast and strategically built connections and an extensive basic structure of services. Public transport occupies a very important role in providing good services between the centre and the strongholds, as well as between the strongholds and the surrounding countryside. To achieve this, it is essential that several public and private actors work with a common agenda and in a cooperative manner.

Targeted strategic development projects Interregional and -municipal cooperation and joint development projects are undoubtedly an important factor for the success of a region. Development projects targeted according to region, theme or objective are efficient tools for the development of a region. They make it possible to assemble workgroups crossing ordinary organizational structures between municipalities, cities, companies, communities, and regions. One target group essential for the success of the Defris regions consists of private actors and investors. Focusing on strategic projects achieves national visibility and boosts the interest of private investors in the region. Smooth cooperation and balance between the centre and the periphery consolidates the entire region.

200



19

19

Cooperation, profiling and promotion of the region The appeal of the region is enhanced by its internal, consistent view of the region’s profile and by the creation of a dialogical connection between the private and public sector. A forum-type seminar on, for example, the theme ‘regional development corridor’, in which regional actors (the municipality, enterprises, communities, residents) are given the floor, generates insights and promotes such operations models and decisions which support each other. Up-to-date statistical data and maps on the region support fruitful discussion and good decision-making. People are ready to spend from 30 to 45 minutes on the way to work and are willing to move to a rural landscape outside growth centres, where they still are close to services. Middle-sized regions can make this one of their success factors. The municipality can offer basic conditions for this development through land use planning and by providing necessary services. To benefit from the growth of the metropolitan region, a middle-sized Defris region must have efficient and active relations with the influential people and decision-makers of the metropolitan region. Individuals who make decisions on, for example, the regionalization of public operations, traffic arrangements, and the outsourcing of a company’s operations play a key role in this. These individuals must be motivated to prioritize their decisions in a way favourable to the region, and it is useful to provide them with up-to-date information on the offering and strengths of the Defris region in question.

The Defris projects have mainly been based on cooperation between public actors. However, some projects have developed the relations between the public and the private sector by working parallelly on the same issues as private actors, by organizing seminars for the representatives of the private sector, and by organizing meetings and open seminars with the representatives of business. The projects point out the importance of a dialogical connection between the private and public sector. This is clearly a proposal for forthcoming work to search for methods of effective and functional cooperation between the private and public sector, so as to promote the region’s competitiveness.

200



20

20

Implementation and proposals for forthcoming work Based on the project results, the following important steps, procedures and investments are suggested in order to achieve concrete benefits regarding the competitiveness, identity and appealing market strength of the Defris regions:

Partner 1 Östsam Regional Development Council

The project (Balance between centre and periphery) has a close connection to the regional development programme, and as such it has to be taken into consideration by national and local planners when dealing, in particular, with rural development. The project promotes the formation of rural development policies in general in Östergötland and especially the development of public services and public transport. The results will be used when discussing the region’s future engagement in the development of commuting traffic in the region.

The project (Links to metropolitan area) will offer starting points for regional work within the national metropolitan project together with Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The results will also be used when promoting the building of a high-speed railway through Östergötland. In addition, the results will be used when discussing future engagement in the development of commuting traffic in the region.

Partner 2 Regional Council of Central Finland New statistics have constituted the most useful part of the project (Commercial service network studies). The study is intended for the municipal planning level as an independent survey regarding the state of the commercial service network. The survey provides information for municipality-specific development plans to support the balanced development of commercial services in the region, in cooperation with other municipalities.

The development zone project (incl. Road 9 development zone and Development plan of Hirvaskangas area) has undoubtedly enhanced the image of Central Finland as a modern, developing country-side region and an attractive environment for business. It is important for the local interest parties to carry out the planned vision and projects, as well as to see to the sustainable, high-quality implementation of the plans. The area has good potential, but the long-term development of its attractiveness depends on the continued policy. The Road 9 development zone report will be useful in the Regional Council’s work on transport and traffic issues and offer up-to-date information on the field also for other planning activities. The members of the traffic task force can use the report in their own planning. In the case of the development process of the Hirvaskangas area, work has continued as municipal actors, private businesses and third sector actors have worked in unison to reach sustainable and long-term solutions for the area.

200



21

21

The Regionalization and strategy project pulls together and highlights the views of regional actors on the competitive ability and potential of the region, and can be utilized by actors and decision-makers in Central Finland. The study provides, for example, information on the basic starting points of the regionalization of public services and the outsourcing activities of companies. In particular, this subproject has made a move towards a genuine, interactive contact network between Central Finland and the representatives of industrial life, enterprises and the public sector in the capital region, which can be utilized for the development of the region in the future. Partner 3 Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo The development zone themes have generated interesting findings and new cooperation between actors both within Pohjois-Savo and between Pohjois-Savo and Central Finland. This cooperation should continue, not merely between the regional councils, but also between municipal planners, decision-makers, etc., and between the private and public sector. A project like the Defris does generate regional development. It functions as a channel for work which is not included in the everyday life of municipalities and regional councils. The Defris allows the participants to dig deeper into reality and into the future, and to use time for studies and discussions. The studies implemented during the Defris project have produced information which will be used in the everyday life of the municipalities and the regional council. Most of the information can be used in regional plans and the master plan of Pohjois-Savo. The studies on rail and road traffic have already been used to influence governmental decisions and the decisions of VR (Finnish Railways) and the Finnish Road Administration. Active use of the Internet has been an important aspect of group work within the Defris project of Pohjois-Savo. Developing this work method further is going to be a permanent part of the work of the Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo. The Defris studies of Pohjois-Savo have been published on the Internet, where they will be available to everyone for at least a couple of years – i.e. as long as they are valid. Only the study on commercial services is published in a printed form. The Defris project functions as a channel for exchanging ideas in the international context. The international audience makes you explain your own conditions clearly – and by doing so you start to understand yourself better. The discussions and comparisons following each study and presentation give new ideas and insight into the problem. Pohjois-Savo has thus benefited from the self-analyses and comparisons made with the other partners.

200



22

22

Partner 4 Kaunas County Governor’s Administration

The suggestions of the development studies (Jonava-Kedainiai-Raseiniai Development Zone) prepared during the project could help the municipalities to think of strategic development directions on longer-term perspective. Working, thinking, planning together despite administrative and territorial boundaries is also of great importance. The final results will be used for strategic and spatial planning at regional and municipal levels. The tourism aspect of the development studies pointed out new potential common to the tourism development zones, to be used in forthcoming work.

Partner 5 Regional Authority of Kujawsko – Pomorskie Voivodeship

First of all (project BTMA as the development zone), the plan for the development and spatial management of BTMA should be completed and treated as a “regional law” after the regional authorities have accepted it. The next steps will include more detailed analyses of particular issues (e.g. feasibility studies for investments in roads, service units, etc.) and the necessary elements of infrastructure (technical, transport, social, etc.).

In order to facilitate the realization of the assumptions of the project (Shaping the functions of Włocławek as a regional centre), it is extremely important that the emphasized (and evident) need to establish cooperation between local self-governments be put into practice. The subsequent stage should include studies and plans of actual undertakings drafted together (e.g. the plan for the management and development of the area around the Włocławek Reservoir). Improved cooperation between the private and public sector should also be sought. The results of the project (The conception of the economic development of the Noteć River Valley) will be published and sent to all the authorities in the Noteć Valley area, as well as to the Association of Towns and Communes in Noteć Basin. The results will support the authorities in decisions regarding the actions and steps to be taken within the region. The project will also be very important for their development strategies, local plans and regional land use plans. The Defris project will provide the basis for a more detailed elaboration of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Office for Spatial and Regional Planning regarding the Noteć River Basin.

200



23

23

Appendix 1: Regional project reports and studies in Work Package 3 Partner 1 Östsam, Regional Development Council of Östergötland, SE Reports

• WP3 Partner report • Conditions in the development corridor • Threats and opportunities with integration • Alternative rail transport solutions • Service and communications • New solutions for public transport

Studies

• Travel habits in Östergötland • Service offerings in smaller Östergötland communities • Winners do not do different things, they just do things differently – Social economy as a

growth factor • Ostlänken och “Den fjärde storstadsregionen” – Utmaningar och möjligheter (Swedish

only) • Framtidens kollektivtrafiik för ett närmare Östergötland (Swedish only)

Partner 2 Regional Council of Central Finland, FI Publications

• ”Keski-Suomen kaupallinen palveluverkko 2005, kaupan keskukset ja kehitysmahdollisuudet”, Regional Council of Central Finland publications B 152, 2006, summary in English ”The Commercial Service Network of Central Finland ”

• ”Näkökulmia Keski-Suomen kilpailukykyyn”, Regional Council of Central Finland publications B156, 2006, summary in English ”Aspects on Central Finland’s competitiveness”

• ”Defris WP3 Partner report”, Regional Council of Central Finland publications B160, 2007

Reports

• ”Hirvaskankaan kehittämissuunnitelma”, summary in English ”The development plan of Hirvaskangas area”

• ”9-tien kehityskäytävä Jämsä-Jyväskylä-Hankasalmi”, summary in English ”Road 9 development zone Jämsä-Jyväskylä-Hankasalmi”

• ”Central Finland Promotion Event”

200



24

24

Partner 3 Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo, FI Publications

• ”Pohjois-Savon kaupallinen palveluverkko 2006, kaupan keskukset ja kehitysmahdollisuudet”, Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo publications A:50. Summary in English ”Commercial Service Network of Pohjois-Savo 2006” published 12/2006 in the Internet www.pohjois-savo.fi/defris.

Reports

• ”Defris WP3 Partner report” published 3/2007 in the Internet www.pohjois-savo.fi/defris.

Partner 4 Kaunas County Governor’s Administration, LT Publications

• The information-promotional flyers about the Defris project published in English and Lithuanian languages, (2x400 copies)

• “„Jonava- Kėdainiai-Raseiniai vystymo zona“, summary in English „Jonava- Kėdainiai-Raseiniai Development Zone“

• „Kaišiadorių-Kauno rajono vystymo zona“, summary in English „Kaisiadorys-Kaunas District Development Zone“

• Regional study Jonava- Kėdainiai-Raseiniai Development Zone“ Lithuanian version • Regional study Kaisiadorys-Kaunas District Development Zone“ Lithuanian version

Partner 5 Regional Authority of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, PL Publications

• „Space” magazine devoted to Defris Project, issue no. 20/2006, 2000 copies, • Strategic projects’ flayers, 3600 copies, • WP 3 Partner report, Regional Authority of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship

Reports

• “Plan of Development and Spatial Management of Bydgoszcz and Torun Metropolitan Area”: The Bydgoszcz – Toruń Metropolitan Area as the development zone (reports contain text elaborations and detailed maps 1:50 000)

• “Study of preconditions and directions for spatial management development of Włocławek”: Shaping the function of Włocławek as a regional centre (report contains detailed map 1:50 000)

• “The Notec River Valley. The Cultural Values as Activating Element of Tourism Development Movement”, “The Notec River. The Outline of Development of the Water Route along with the Associated Technical and Tourist Infrastructure”: The conception of the economic development of the Noteć River Valley (reports contain detailed maps, diagrams and cartograms).

200



25

25

Appendix 2 : Project information formulas (13) PARTNER 1 STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula

Name of Defris partner Östsam Regional Development Council

Name of the project

Links to metropolitan area

Activities:

1. Conditions in the development corridor 2. Threats and opportunities with integration 3. Alternative rail transport solutions

Contact person(s), contact information Per Sandström, Östsam

Implementation time period Ms 3-Ms 6

Main objective, end result 1. Investigate the conditions for economic, social and environment development along the development corridor and preconditions for local, regional and interregional planning.

2. Estimate threats and opportunities for the central parts of Östergötland with the ongoing integration and growing concurrence with other regions and especially Stockholm.

3. To describe the possibility to develop public rail transport along the main railway line through Östergötland when the lack of capacity will come to an end after building of two new tracks for high speed trains.

200



26

26

Activities (per MS if possible) Ms 3:

Regional enlargement and improved accessibility in the interregional development corridor Ms 4-Ms 5: • General guidelines for local and regional planning

(activity 1) • Preparation of questions and gathering of data for

researchers to analyze. (activity 2) • Analysis of the future different travel markets as a

consequence of full capacity. (activity 3) Ms 5 – Ms 6: • Research and analysis of results from different scenarios.

(activity 2) • Analysis of the development of the traffic included

regional and commuter trains and of the mixture of different traffic at the travel centres in Linköping and Norrköping. (activity 3)

WP3 results and indicators • What are identified and established

networks in the project • What are the key questions analyzed in

the project for interregional and regional development

• In what way the project shows how a region can develop in co-operation with other regions in interregional development zones.

Networks: Work groups from the Swedish National Rail Administration, the concerned municipalities, the concerned regional development councils and regional public transport companies. Key questions: 1. A good holistic view of the total development conditions

today and with better accessibility. Co- ordination of railway planning and regional and local planning. Methods for interregional planning.

2. How the densely populated central parts of Östergötland can develop in the future in different scenarios and how co-operation between the major municipalities can affect the development.

3. Scenarios of different parallel traffic systems and especially the regional and commuter trains. The big number of passengers to plan for at the travel centres in Linköping and Norrköping.

Co-operation: 1. To organize and be a part of a special development

companies owned by 6 municipalities and two regional development organisations.

2. Co-operation between the major municipalities in Östergötland and an increased integration of their economies are a crucial factor for the future development of the region.

3. Traffic scenarios are among other things based on interregional and regional analysis along development zones.

200



27

27

Implementation network (national) Swedish National Rail Adminsitration. Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth Jönköping International Business School, Jönköping University Institute for Housing and Urban Research Status of the project 1. Basis for political actions and decisions. 2. Material for future scenarios seminars with politicians

and officials from Linköping and Norrköping Municipalities.

3. Important background for planning in the concerned municipalities and regions

Co-operation with Defris partners (write shortly your closer co-operation activities)

Central Finland • “Regionalization” – study and strategy • Studies of potential for business and transport Pohjois-Savo • Development zone of Kuopio – Jyväskylä Kaunas • Jonava-Kedainiai-Raseiniai development zone • Kaunas and Kaisiadorys districts development zone Kujawsko-Pomorskie • The Bydgoszcz – Torun Metropolitan area as the

development zone Utilization and dissemination of experiences and results

1. The considerations in the reports are implemented in local and regional planning together with planning of Eastern Link, the high speed line to Stockholm.

2. The material produced within the project will be a very important input in future work on integrating municipal activities to enhance regional economy.

3. The results of the project will among other things be used when planning travel centres in the region.

Additional information and material The regional development program April 2006 and pre-studies from the work with the “Program for metropolitan areas” (Nutek).

200



28

28

STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula

Name of Defris partner Östsam Regional Development Council

Name of the project

Balance between centre and periphery

Activities: 1. Service and communications 2. New solutions for public transport

Contact person(s), contact information Jan-Erik Lund, Östsam

Implementation time period MS 3 – MS 6

Main objective, end result 1. The activity shall result in propositions for rural development that can be politically handled. The project also shall show where opportunities for increased and developed services through increased entrepreneurship etcetera, could be found.

2. Improved knowledge about the possibilities to uphold and develop public transport in sparsely populated areas, mainly peripheral areas. Outline how these parts can be involved in a common strategy for public transport for the whole region.

Activities (per MS if possible) Ms-3-Ms 4: Analyses of services in rural areas, commuting habits and social economy. Ms 5 – Ms 6: Considerations about planning strategy, programme writing, dissemination and political handling.

200



29

29





Networks: 1. Network between municipalities in Östergötland. Several

different networks on local and regional level with organizations working for rural development.

2. Working group from Östsam, the two biggest municipalities, the Regional public transportation company, the Swedish National Rail Administration and the Swedish National Road Administration. Streering- group is the board of Östsam.

Key questions: 1. One main question for the project is how rural

development is stimulated by public organisations. An important part of this question is how access to services in rural areas is to be kept at today’s level or increased.

2. Public transport in the region must be kept together as one system. The backbone is routes with more intensive public transport. On these routes there are municipal centre and other hubs where different public transport systems are linked together.

Co-operation: The project is primarily intra-regional, but to be an attractive region several different living areas and conditions must be possible within commuting distance from the regional centre and therefore rural development is of an inter-regional interest.

Implementation network (national) National and EU funding are important tools for implementing parts of the programme. Swedish National Rail and Road Administrations. Status of the project 1. Regional programme for development of rural areas,

with special focus on service accessibility. The programme is closely connected to the Regional Development Programme.

2. Important basis of political program for public transport of the region.


Central Finland • “Regionalization” – study and strategy • Studies of potential for business and transport Kaunas • Jonava-Kedainiai-Raseiniai development zone • Kaunas and Kaisiadorys districts development zone Kujawsko-Pomorskie • The Bydgoszcz – Torun Metropolitan area as the

development zone • The conception of economic development of the Noteć

200



30

30

River Valley • Shaping the functions of of Wloclawek as a regional

centre Utilization and dissemination of experiences and results

1. The activity is closely connected to the Regional development programme and will found the basis for a political programme for rural development on regional level. For implementation of the future programme the local level is of crucial importance.

2. The project results found a basis for planning of public transport in the region.

Additional information and material Travel habit investigation of Östergötland 2005 and material from the work in progress with the report “Public transports in Östergötland in the future”.

200



31

31

PARTNER 2 STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula Name of Defris partner Regional Council of Central Finland

Name of the project Project “Regionalization” – study and strategy

Contact person(s), contact information Satu Heikkinen / Hannu Korhonen Regional Council of Central Finland [email protected]

Implementation time period 6/2005 – 12/2006 (MS2-MS5)

Main objective, end result The project aims to raise awareness of the possibilities and strengths of the region and to improve the connections to the capital region of Helsinki. The objective is to form a “sales strategy” and an action plan for utilizing the development potential of the Helsinki metropolitan area in Central Finland, as well as to promote Central Finland as an attractive location to settle and do business in. Implementation in the development zone: Central Finland – Helsinki Metropolitan Area. End result: an assessment of Central Finland’s competitiveness, a promotional event of Central Finland in the metropolitan area (in Helsinki), and promotional material on Central Finland. The project consists of two activities:

A) The study Aspects on Developing Central Finland’s Competitiveness

B) The Central Finland Promotion Event

200



32

32

Activities (per MS if possible) Activity A The aim of the activity is to evaluate Central Finland’s capacity to meet the needs of the metropolitan area. Information is gathered in the metropolitan area and in Central Finland through interviews and the comparison of chosen regional indicators. MS2 Phase 1: Assessment of the needs of the metropolitan area. The indicators of information were chosen, data was collected and studied. A total of 12 interviews with enterprises, public sector officials and NGOs operating in the metropolitan area were carried out. Phase 2: Assessment of Central Finland’s capacity to meet the needs. A total of 20 interviews with actors in Central Finland were carried out and analysed. MS3-4 Phase 3: Formulation of strategy, action plan and concrete development targets. Suggestions of immediate, short-term and long-term procedures. The report Aspects on Developing Central Finland’s Competitiveness was completed (in Finnish, including an English summary). Activity B This activity includes the marketing of Central Finland to the actors deciding on regionalization, and to large companies. The Central Finland Promotion Event offers a networking arena for personal contacts between the metropolitan area and Central Finland. It is an opportunity to “sell” Central Finland in the metropolitan area. MS4 During MS4 the representatives of different interest groups joined to plan the promotion event. Discussions and two planning meetings for selected key actors (development companies, municipalities, etc.) were organized. Activities during MS4: the script of the Central Finland Promotion Event, the selection of performers and speakers, the compiling of the list of people invited (representatives of the public and private sector who have connections to Central Finland), designing and sending the invitation. MS5 Interviews and research work related to the video promoting Central Finland, the implementation of the video in October - December 2006. The video is an interview-based current affairs review, covering topical talking points of crucial importance to the region. The Regional Council of Central Finland and the Defris project organized the Central Finland Promotion Event in Helsinki on the 18th of January 2007. The programme of the evening provided examples of know-how in Central Finland with, for example, the video ’Power from Central Finland’. The programme also included key note speeches and a special creative product from Central Finland - the show

200



33

33

group Semmarit - appeared on stage during the evening. The promotion of Central Finland in the metropolitan area with the video and the promotion event was designed to enhance the region’s image and future prospects.





Activity A • The survey provides information on the basic starting

points for the regionalization of public services and the outsourcing activities of companies.

• The survey lists proposals for regional strategy work - in other words, smaller projects enhancing competitive edge - in whose implementation regional actors have their own roles.

Activity B • The activity created wide interest among the municipal

actors and e.g. development companies of the region. Various parties were involved in the planning of the event and the presented material.

• The event promoted the core competencies of Central Finland and the competitive advantage of the region compared to other regions. The planning process strengthened cooperation between municipalities as unified and harmonious representatives of Central Finland.

• The Central Finland Promotion Event in Helsinki was an opportunity for networking between Central Finland and the metropolitan area in order to build trust and ground for potential new ventures.

• In particular, this subproject has made a move towards a genuine, interactive contact network between Central Finland and the representatives of industrial life, enterprises and the public sector in the capital region, which can be utilized for the development of the region in the future.

Implementation network (national) Activity A The assessments involve metropolitan area state administration, decision-makers, major companies, developers and regional MPs, educational institutions, industries, major companies, etc. The strategy phase includes a plan for networking at the regional, decision-making and company level. Activity B Several regional players participated in the planning of the Central Finland Promotion Event and in the production of its programme. These players include educational organizations, the seven regional development companies of Central Finland, municipalities, the Regional Council of Central Finland, Central Finland Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Organization of Enterprises in Central Finland, the Employment and Economic Development Centre, Jyväskylä Fair Ltd, Spa Hotel Peurunka, Himos Ltd, Meteco Ltd, CP

200



34

34

Kelco Oy, Metso Paper Oy, Valtra Ltd, Karoliinan Kahvimylly Ltd, Nokka-Companies Ltd, and the Air Force Academy.

Co-operation with Defris partners Co-operation: project presentations and discussions during Defris meetings and seminars. Project has connections to projects: • Östsam: “Conditions in the development zone” and

”Threats and opportunities with integration” Utilization and dissemination of experiences and results

Activity A The survey pulls together and highlights the views of regional actors on the competitive ability and potential of the region and can be utilized by actors and decision-makers in Central Finland. The report is a strategic tool and a starting point for other pilot projects within the WP3 project item of Central Finland. Activity B The Central Finland Promotion Event was very visible in the media, and the major regional newspaper Keskisuomalainen published a whole-page article about it on the day following the event. The participants from the capital region also received this newspaper issue at their workplace. The promotion video of Central Finland can be used to promote Central Finland in different regional occasions. The event is a starting point for a tradition of special events aiming to promote Central Finland in the capital region.


Activity A report ”Aspects on Developing Central Finland’s Competitiveness”; in Finnish, including a summary in English Activity B report in Finnish and in English The reports are available on the websites of the Defris project at www.defris.net and the Regional Council of Central Finland at www.keskisuomi.fi/Defris

200



35

35

STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula Name of Defris partner Regional Council of Central Finland

Name of the project Project Commercial service networks and future scenarios

Contact person(s), contact information Satu Heikkinen/Jarmo Koskinen Regional Council of Central Finland [email protected]

Implementation time period 4/2005-12/2006 (MS2-MS5)

Main Center, Jyväskylä

CENTRAL FINLAND

Regional Center

Sub-Center

Commercial concentration

COMMERCIAL CONCENTRATIONS IN

200



36

36

Main objective, end result During the past decades, the structure of retail sales has changed significantly. This structural change has effects on the accessibility and availability of commercial services. The main objective is to study the network of commercial services in the region of Central Finland. The end results include a survey of commercial services in Central Finland, an analysis of the future scenarios and service ability of the network in changing competitive situations, and a comparison study against the Pohjois-Savo region. Implementation in the entire region of Central Finland; the results have an impact especially within two development zones: Jämsä - Jyväskylä - Äänekoski (regional) and Tampere - Jyväskylä - Kuopio (interregional). The project includes the following activity:

C) The survey “Commercial Service Network of Central Finland”

A comparison study between Central Finland and the Pohjois-Savo region regarding commercial services was also carried out. The survey results of activity C “Commercial Service Network of Central Finland” describe the development of the structure of business and purchasing power separately for each municipality of Central Finland. The survey demonstrates the basic trend of business in Central Finland: a relative decrease in daily consumer goods sales, a relative growth in special trade, and the concentration of large commercial units. The comparison study between Central Finland and Pohjois-Savo shows some differences in the commercial structure of these regions, for example, in the number of department stores and regional shopping centres as well as in the concentration of commercial services.

Activities (per MS if possible) Activity C MS2-3 The base information was collected in April - May 2005, regarding e.g. the location and concentration of stores, the number of stores in different fields of commerce and population concentrations. The data was gathered through official information sources, statistics, surveys, and interviews. For more detailed information, surveys were performed with the representatives of municipalities in November 2005. MS4 Information on purchasing power (based on population development) was compared to the current service network. The development targets of municipalities were examined. Information on purchasing

200



37

37

power in different fields of commerce and a prognosis for its development in 2010/2020 were produced. The effects of different commercial concentrations on the whole service network were examined, for example, the location decisions of single large-scale commercial units, commercial concentrations and major road-side service centres. The project was completed and the report “Commercial Service Network of Central Finland 2005” (160 copies, in Finnish) was distributed and promoted to all municipalities and other parties involved. A press conference and information meeting were held on the 30th of March 2006. A summary of the report was written in English. MS5 A report on the similarities and differences between Pohjois-Savo and Central Finland regarding commercial services was produced.





Networks Regional and national representatives of commerce, municipal planners and land use planners. Key questions What is the structure of commercial services in Central Finland at the moment and what is the significance of commercial centres. What is the prognosis for purchasing power available for retail consumption in the future - in 15 years? What are the plans of the municipalities regarding commercial centres? Cooperation The survey provides information for municipality-specific development plans in order to support the balanced development of commercial services in the region in cooperation with other municipalities.

Implementation network (national) 30 municipalities (municipal planners) of Central Finland

Co-operation with Defris partners • Pohjois-Savo: “Commercial service network of Pohjois-Savo” - Comparison study of the results

• Kujawsko-Pomorskie: “Importance of Wloclawek as a service centre” and “Determinants of services and business development” - Information was exchanged and discussions deepened in terms of consumer behaviour and trends in retail trade and their impact on urban structure. Two smaller reports were combined based on the discussions of the Defris meetings: “Consumer Behaviour, Urban Structure and Retail Trade Trends in Finland” and “Public Authority Regulating Business in Finland”.

• Östsam: “ Service and communication”

200



38

38


The information produced will, for its part, be used in examining urban-rural relationships within the region. The data can be used to promote industrial and commercial activity within the entire region of Central Finland. The results have been publicized in all the municipalities and provided to the other parties involved as well as to the media. The results will be utilized in the regional land use plan.


Activity C report “Commercial service network of Central Finland 2005, Commercial centres and the developmental potential of trade” in Finnish, a summary in English Comparison study in English and Finnish (summaries) The reports are available on the websites of Defris at www.defris.net and the Regional Council of Central Finland at www.keskisuomi.fi/Defris

200



39

39

STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula Name of Defris partner Regional Council of Central Finland

Name of the project Project Studies of potential for business and transport

Contact person(s), contact information Martti Ahokas / Satu Heikkinen Regional Council of Central Finland [email protected]

Implementation time period 1/2005- 12/2006 (MS3-MS5)

Main objective, end result The primary aim is to improve the conditions of transport and create favorable conditions for business development, as well as to promote employment and connections to other areas within chosen development zones. The end result of the project includes two development plans: The

Hirvaskangas functional area

Hankasalmi

Jämsä

JYVÄSKYLÄ

Äänekoski

200



40

40

Road 9 development zone and the Hirvaskangas functional area. The final development plans will combine the development interests and present the objectives of the area at the regional level. Implementation in two development zones: (Tampere) - Jämsä - Jyväskylä - Hankasalmi - Kuopio and (Jämsä) - Jyväskylä - Äänekoski. The project consists of two activities: E) The Development Plan of the Hirvaskangas Area F) The Study on Road 9 Development Zone Jämsä -

Jyväskylä - Hankasalmi

Activity E aims to make the Hirvaskangas area within the development zone Jyväskylä - Äänekoski a regionally, provincially and nationally competitive commercial and residential area. The Hirvaskangas area, 30 kilometres north of Jyväskylä, is developing into an attractive residential and business area. The area has potential for development: it is situated in a suitable logistic location and is part of the Jyväskylä - Äänekoski Road 4 development zone. The differing plans of the surrounding municipalities regarding the area have presented a problem. The aim of the activity is to generate a holistic, long-term multi-sectoral development vision and to define the direction of development activities in the area. The objective of activity F is to enhance the competitiveness of the defined development zone Jämsä - Jyväskylä - Hankasalmi as part of the Road 9 area. It sets to find development measures for transportation, business, land use, recreation, and environmental aspects. The aim is to form a holistic view of the region’s development activities in the field of transport, connections and business development within this development zone. The aim is also to take part in the common development zone task force of the Regional Council of Central Finland and the Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo during the project.

Activities (per MS if possible) Activity E MS2 The first official meeting of the work group was organized and a participation plan was prepared. The first open seminar was arranged on the 22nd of September 2005. The representatives of state, regional and municipal authorities, together with entrepreneurs and inhabitants of the area were present. The seminar was open to public and the media (announcements and news in regional and local newspapers). MS3 An analysis was drafted concerning the environment and landscape, land use planning, commerce and services, traffic prognoses, previous plans, related projects, and the area’s role in the development zone. The interviews with

200



41

41

the key representatives took place in September-November 2005. Alternative models of action were created (alternatives for commercial concepts, land use, traffic arrangements, etc.) and a second seminar was organized. A draft of the development plan. MS4 The third work group meeting took place on the 11the of January 2006 and the second seminar on the 25th of January 2006. In the seminar alternative models of action in the area were presented and discussed. The final seminar was held on the 31st of March 2006, and the development plan was introduced to the representatives of municipal councils. The project was completed and the final report in Finnish finished in April 2006. The press conference on the results took place on the 27th of April 2006. Activity F MS2-3 The identification of the current situation in terms of traffic and connections in the designated development zone. The mapping of on-going and planned development activities and projects in the zone. Participation in the work group formed for the interregional development zone Kuopio - Jyväskylä. MS4 Creating a research plan for the development work and the formation of a steering group consisting of the municipalities in the development zone. The first and second steering committee meeting and the selection of a consultant for the development work. MS5 Steering committee meetings and an initial situation report: the present and expected workplace/commuting areas were mapped and the possibilities for business development from the perspective of logistic accessibility were listed. An interim report including interviews with the representatives of municipal planners and business life was finished. In these interviews the seven municipalities within the development zone of Road 9 evaluated the development measures in detail. Each municipality listed the most important development targets related to recreational areas, cultural services, environmental improvement, business activity, and housing production.

200



42

42




• In what way the project shows how a

region can develop in co-operation with other regions in interregional development zones.

Activity E The networks established in the project: During the process of the development plan for Hirvaskangas, the parties involved established forums and channels of intensified dialogue and cooperation. The project has strengthened the development zone within the region as it has created an intensified node of housing and business. The business cluster further increases the attractiveness of the transport corridor, providing considerable services for truckers and travellers. Key questions analysed: Different operational models have been considered and a common vision has been formed during the project. The area has gained a more profound identity and therefore appeals to more businesses and residents. Cooperation: The work has continued as the municipal actors, private businesses and third sector actors have worked in unison to reach sustainable long-term solutions for the Hirvaskangas area. A marketing campaign was launched after the project, and new investments to the area follow the agreed strategy. Activity F Established networks: During the planning and designing process, the municipalities within the Road 9 development zone formed a common forum for cooperation and zone-like project planning. Key questions: What are the possibilities for the development of business within the Road 9 development zone? How should the zone be developed in a balanced way to enhance the competitiveness of the region? Cooperation: The common development zone task force (the Regional Councils of Central Finland and Pohjois-Savo) has improved interregional communication in the development zone Jyväskylä - Kuopio between regional authorities, municipalities and enterprises. The task force gives decision-makers valuable information on the potential and possibilities of commuting by rail in the area and on the spatial and economic impacts of the system.

200



43

43

Implementation network (national) Activity E

The City of Äänekoski, the Municipality of Uurainen, the City of Suolahti, the Regional Council of Central Finland, the Central Finland Regional Environment Centre, Ääneseudun Kehitys Ltd., local inhabitants, land owners and entrepreneurs. Activity F Development zone work group: the municipalities of Hankasalmi, Laukaa, Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä Rural Municipality, Muurame, Jämsä; the Regional Council of Central Finland, Jyväskylä Regional Development Company Jykes Ltd, Plancenter Consultants. The common development zone task force of two regional councils (Central Finland and Pohjois-Savo), other regional authorities of the regions, municipalities in the development zone.

Co-operation with Defris partners E.g. follow-up of the process, study visits, exchange of experiences and reports. The activity has connection to: • Pohjois-Savo: ”Main Road 9” • Östsam: ”Conditions in the development corridor” and

“Alternative rail transport solutions” • Kujawsko-Pomorskie: “Transport system in BTMA”


Activity E The final seminar took place on the 31st of March 2006, and the development plan was introduced to the representatives of municipal councils. A press conference for all the parties involved and for the media was held on the 27th of April 2006. The final report in Finnish and a summary in English are available on the website of the Regional Council of Central Finland. Activity F The situation report will assist the work of the Regional Council on transport and traffic issues and provide up-to-date information on the field also for other planning activities. The members of the traffic task force can use the report in planning. The report facilitates the comparison of development activity between regions in Finland and internationally, thus contributing to learning and innovations. A public information conference will be organized during MS6 where the final report will be distributed.

200



44

44


Activity E “The Development Plan of Hirvaskangas”: A report in Finnish, including a summary in English Activity F “Road 9 development zone Jämsä - Jyväskylä - Hankasalmi” : A report in Finnish, including a summary in English The reports are available on the websites of the Defris project at www.defris.net and the Regional Council of Central Finland at www.keskisuomi.fi/Defris

200



45

45

PARTNER 3 STRATEGIC PROJECTS/ WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula

Name of Defris partner Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo

Name of the project Development zone of Kuopio - Jyväskylä

Contact person(s), contact information Outi Raatikainen Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo P.O.Box 247 (Sepänkatu 1) FIN-70101 Kuopio, Finland Mobile: +358 (0)44 714 2665 Fax: +358 (0)17 2625090 E-mail: [email protected]

Implementation time period from 1st of June 2005 to 31st of December 2006 (Milestones 3-5)

Main objective, end result Central Finland and Pohjois-Savo are neighbouring regions. The municipalities between the regional capitals Kuopio and Jyväskylä are connected with a railway line and the Road 9. With stronger cooperation the development zone could influence in the matters dealing especially with traffic issues which are of utmost importance to the future of the area. • The project has built up concrete cooperation between

the municipalities, other authorities, and companies. • The project found results of research about development

zones and made a research on travelling times using different means of transportation in order to compare the different scenarios for the future.

200



46

46

• The interregional co-operation was started in order to make regions more vital and competitive.

2A Infrastructure and communications: Promotion of (commuting train) traffic. The activity studied road and rail traffic of main roads 5 and 9 and railway connections between Kuopio, Jyväskylä, and the metropolitan regions of Helsinki and St.Petersburg.

Activities (per MS if possible) Ms 3: GIS-analysis, work group, working methods: mainly seminars, email groups, and studies, planning the means of development in e.g. transport and business life, identifying the projects, schedules and costs. Ms 4: business, road & railroad projects.

Ms 5: implementation and publishing the results WP3 results and indicators • What are identified and established





• The network of 8 municipalities and other organizations has discussed the common problems in several meetings. A common plea to change the qualification and increase the maintenance given to the Road 9 has been sent to the government. A permanent cooperation group may continue after this project.

• The cooperation and understanding between the

Regional Councils of Central Finland and Pohjois-Savo has deepend.

• Key questions were all linked with traffic and thus with

housing, commuting, cargo, export/import and other issues. Dealing with these matters together has helped understanding each other. It has also strengthened the power of the area in dealing with ministries etc. in influencing its own future and the development possibilities.

Implementation network (national) • 8 municipalities • 2 Regional Councils • 2 Regional Environment Centres • Finnish Road Administrations of Pohjois-Savo and Central

Finland • Finnish Rail Administration

Co-operation with Defris partners • Sweden: “Alternative rail transport solutions” and “New solutions for public transport”

• Central Finland: common work group; “Studies of potential for local business and transport”

200



47

47


The PowerPoint and other presentations held in the seminars have been published in the internet and their existence has been informed by emails to the work groups, other interest groups, and media. During the year 2006 there have been several articles in the media using the information provided by Defris. The GIS analyses done during WP3 have been used internally in the work groups and in the Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo. They will be published in 2007 for the use of the region. The findings of the GIS and other analysis have already been used in several reports and presentations handling with traffic issues of Pohjois-Savo and the whole eastern Finland. The results will also be used in examining and understanding the relations between Central Finland and Pohjois-Savo. Continuous cooperation is planned to ensure the success of main road 9 and railway Kuopio-Jyväskylä projects. The results of the project will also be utilized in the municipal and regional land use plans as well as the master plan of Pohjois-Savo.

Additional information and material In many questions the two development zone work groups of Pohjois-Savo have co-worked.

200



48

48

STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula Name of Defris partner Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo

Name of the project Development zone of Iisalmi-Kuopio-Varkaus

Contact person(s), contact information Outi Raatikainen Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo P.O.Box 247 (Sepänkatu 1) FIN-70101 Kuopio, Finland Mobile: +358 (0)44 714 2665 (1.3. onwards) Fax: +358 (0)17 2625090 E-mail: [email protected]

Implementation time period from 1st of June 2005 to 31st of December 2006 (Milestones 3-5)

Main objectives, end results The towns Iisalmi, Kuopio and Varkaus are connected through a highway, a railway line, and a waterway. These are the life line of Pohjois-Savo. The road and railway connect the region to Helsinki area in the south, and to Oulu in the north. Iisalmi – Kuopio - Varkaus interregional development zone is essential in ensuring the success of the region in the future, yet the cooperation between these towns was not very active. Main objectives • Strengthen the cooperation and making the

development zone concrete.

200



49

49

• Finding out the impacts of projects related to development zone in regional and municipal planning, traffic and business issues.

• Making research of travelling times by different means of transportation.

• Studying and discussing the relationships between Kuopio region and surrounding areas.

• Cooperation in order to make the whole Pohjois-Savo region more vital and competitive.

1A Promotion of tourism centres in the dev. zone The main goal is to strengthen the tourism sector in the region. The activity concerns collecting data related to tourism issues in Pohjois-Savo and publishing it via internet. The activity has close connections to development of services: the aim is to serve both tourists and locals. The twin benefit of developing services is an interesting aspect when discussing rural development 1B Promotion of business parks in the dev. zone The main goal is to get more active enterprises in the region by collecting data about the business parks and services in Pohjois-Savo and publishing it via internet. The activity has close connections to development of services and the study on commercial service network.

Activities (per Ms) Ms3: the starting point by GIS-analysis and by the master plan, establishing a work group and working methods, seminars together with the work groups of the development zone Kuopio-Jyväskylä. Ms 4: work with projects

Ms 5: guidelines of development zone concerning the regional plan, publishing material in the internet






The network has discussed the common problems in several meetings and seminars. Especially the network of planners has deepened during the project. The key questions were • traffic issues, • advertising the business life opportunities in the area

(incl. tourism), • how the regional planning and the master plan of

Pohjois-Savo can help business life. Cooperation has helped understanding each other and plan “less selfishly” and more efficiently.

Implementation network (national) • 6 municipalities • Regional Environment Centre of Pohjois-Savo • Finnish Road Administration • Finnish Rail Administration • Third sector, e.g. the Development Society of the Centre

of Kuopio

200



50

50

• The Kuopio – Jyväskylä development zone work group.

Co-operation with Defris partners • Poland: “Tourism as a factor of business and economical activation” and “Determinants of services and business development”

• Lithuania: “Opportunities for development in periphery” and “Geographical locations in the factor for economical development”

• Sweden: “Conditions in the development corridor” Utilization and dissemination of experiences and results

• The results are influencing planning of cities and communities, the regional plans and the master plan of Pohjois-Savo.

• Material, especially maps, has been produced in Finnish and partly in English. Web pages www.pohjois-savo.fi/defris. The PowerPoint presentations held in the seminars have been published in the internet.

• All seminars have had also local media represented. Several newspaper articles and radio news stories have been born because of the project.

• The products of the projects will affect the regional net portal of Pohjois-Savo.

Additional information and material In many questions the two development zones of Pohjois-savo and their work groups have co-worked. That way they might even be considered as one project.

200



51

51


200



52

52

Name of Defris partner Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo

Name of the project Commercial services now and in the future

Contact person(s), contact information Outi Raatikainen Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo P.O.Box 247 (Sepänkatu 1) FIN-70101 Kuopio, Finland Tel. +358 (0)44 7142665 (1.3. onwards), (0)50 5980959 Fax: +358 (0)17 2625090 E-mail: [email protected] Tuomas Santasalo, Tuomas Santasalo Ky (Consultant)

Implementation time period Year 2006

Main objective, end result The rural municipalities of Pohjois-Savo are gradually loosing their population. Growth areas are more or less only the regional capital and its neighbouring municipalities. This means e.g. disappearance of the village shops. The huge structural change of commercial services has effects on the accessibility and availability of the services, thus influencing e.g. the housing and equality of people and the success and the attraction of business life in the region. All this has to be taken into account by the regional planners. The main objective was to study the network of commercial services in the region of Pohjois-Savo and analyse the future of the commercial network in the region and in each municipality. The results should help municipalities and regional authorities in e.g. land use planning. The results of the “Commercial service network of Pohjois-Savo” survey describe the development of the structure of business and purchasing power of each municipality. The survey demonstrates the basic trends: a relative decrease in daily consumer goods sales, a relative growth in special trade, and the concentration of special trade and large commercial units. The study analyses each municipality for its commercial possibilities in the near future and gives hints for how to succeed in keeping the services alive and thriving in their area.

200



53

53

Activities (per MS if possible) The study has been surveyed and discussed by both the Kuopio-Jyväskylä and Iisalmi-Kuopio-Varkaus development zones. As Central Finland has done a similar survey a year earlier, the study will help understand these two regions better. The basic information was collected in January-February 2006. Thus the information concerning the location of stores, number of stores in different fields of commerce and population concentrations is as fresh as possible. The data was gathered through official information sources, statistics, surveys and interviews. Mathematical methods and municipalities’ own development plans were combined and compared. Project was completed in December 2006. A report in Finnish “Commercial service network of Pohjois-Savo 2006” will be published and distributed in March 2007 together with a press conference and information meeting. Summary of the report in English can be found in the internet address www.pohjois-savo.fi/defris.





• Networks: regional and national representatives of commerce, municipal planners and land use planners.

• Key questions: o What is the structure of commercial services and the

situation of commercial centres at the moment in Pohjois-Savo?

o What is the prognosis for purchasing power available for retail consumption, and the commercial services available especially in the less populated municipalities of Pohjois-Savo in the future?

o What are the municipalities own plans regarding the commercial centers and how could they be achieved?

• The survey gives information for municipality-specific

development plans to support the balanced development of the commercial services in the region. The data can be used to promote industrial and commercial activity within the entire region of Pohjois-Savo. It will help municipalities to find their own problem areas and find the right means to correct them.

Implementation network (national) All 23 municipalities (municipal planners) and a network of the biggest commercial chains in the region.

Co-operation with Defris partners Central Finland “Commercial service network’s ability and future scenarios” Kaunas: Opportunities for Development in Periphery” Kujawsko-Pomorskie, “Importance of Wloclawek as a service centre”

200



54

54


• The information produced will for its part be used in examining the urban-rural relationships within the region.

• Results are available for the municipalities and other parties involved as well as the media both in the internet and in a printed form. A short version in English has been published in December, the whole report in Finnish will be published in March 2007.

• Results will be utilized in the regional land use plans as well as the master plan of Pohjois-Savo region.

Additional information and material A report about similarities and differences between Pohjois-Savo’s and Central Finland’s Commercial service studies has been published in the internet in December 2006.

200



55

55

PARTNER 4 STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula

Name of Defris partner Kaunas County Governor’s Administration

Name of the project Jonava - Kėdainiai - Raseiniai Development Zone

Contact persons Giedrė Bartusevičiūtė, Regional development department Kaunas County Governor’s Administration


Main objective, end result Objective: To analyse and provide strategic development recommendations for the target area in two aspects: • improvement of communication and transport system in

the periphery - highlight the missing links, improvement of public transport in order to improve commuting and service accessibility (inter-municipal level and relation to the regional center)

• how to improve service infrastructure and their accessibility in the periphery

• Propose perspective development trends and identity. Results: Regional development strategy analysing target area in above mentioned aspects.

200



56

56

Activities

1. The analysis and evaluation of existing service infrastructure (private/public) in the analysed zone, their quality and accessibility.

2. The analysis and evaluation of existing communication and transport system.

3. Technical/organizational proposals for: • service infrastructure development and their

accessibility (in 2 dimensions). • for perspective development trends and identities;• transport/communication system development,

pointing out priorities in order to improve connection between towns/regional center;

• public transport infrastructure improvement in order to improve accessibility of services for inhabitants.

Status of the project Basis to implement other regional/local comprehensive strategies, sectoral action plans.


networks in the project • What are the key questions analysed in



• Closer cooperation between target municipalities despite administrative and territorial boundaries. Inter-sectoral dialogue.

• Service infrastructure development and accessibility improvement;

• Tourism development; • Communication and transport system development. • Common planning and economical activities despite

existing administrative and territorial boundaries.

Implementation network (national) Kaunas County Governor’s Administration Jonava district, Kaisiadorys district and Raseiniai district municipalities


Őstsam Development of the region through balance between centre and periphery. Solutions for improvement of service accessibility. New solutions for public transport. Alternative rail transport solutions. Pohjois-Savo Solutions for improvement of service accessibility. Promotion of tourism centres in the development zone Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship Tourism as a factor of business and economical activation. Transport systems in BTMA - abilities and problems

200



57

57


The final results will be used for strategic and spatial planning on regional and municipal levels. The study will assist • preparing and implementing County strategic and

Comprehensive plan (County level) • preparing Comprehensive plans and Strategic

development plans of Jonava, Kedainiai and Raseiniai districts Municipalities

Dissemination: The results were published as project reports and distributed to regional and local authorities in County territory area. Short English versions were distributed to Defris Partners Seminars and work group meetings for local and regional authorities, planners, and public organisations were organized. Promotional brochure was produced and distributed

Additional information

200



58

58


Name of Defris partner Kaunas County Governor’s Administration

Name of the project Kaunas and Kaisiadorys Districts Development Zone

Contact persons Giedrė Bartusevičiūtė, Regional development department of Kaunas County Governor’ Administration


Main objective, and result Objective: To analyse and provide strategic development recommendations for the target area in two aspects: • improvement of communication and transport system in

the inter-regional transport corridor • how to use the geographical location advantages for

economical development of the target development zone. Propose perspective development trends and identity.

Results: Regional development strategy analysing target area in above mentioned aspects.

Activities

1. Analysis and evaluation of present economic situation in the development zone, questionnaires

2. Evaluation of the existing communication and transport systems (traffic flows, accessibility of public transport, etc), questionnaires;

3. Provided strategic recommendations for: o transport/communication system o development, pointing out priorities in order to

improve connection between target

200



59

59

municipalities/regional center/ inter-regional level; o new links between target municipalities/ regional

center; o creation of intermodal transport hubs in order to

set road service infrastructure zones; o improvement of public transport infrastructure in

order to improve accessibility of services and commuting for inhabitants.

Status of the project Basis to implement other regional/local comprehensive strategies, sectoral action plans.


networks in the project • What are the key questions analysed in



• Closer cooperation between target municipalities despite administrative and territorial boundaries. Inter-sectoral dialogue.

• Transport system development and economical development in the inter-regional transport corridor. Improvement of decentralization and polycentricity.

• Common planning and economical activities despite existing administrative and territorial boundaries.

Implementation network (national) Kaunas County Governor’s Administration Kaunas district and Kaisiadorys district municipalities


According to the co-operation matrix. Őstsam Conditions in the development corridor Threats and opportunities with integration Pohjois-Savo Promotion of business parks in the development zone


The final results will be used for strategic and spatial planning on regional and municipal levels. The study will assist • preparing and implementing County strategic and

Comprehensive plans (County level) • preparing Comprehensive plans of Kaunas district and

Kaisiadorys district Municipalities Dissemination: The results were published as project reports and distributed to regional and local authorities in County territory area. Short English versions were distributed to Defris Partners Seminars and work group meetings for local and regional authorities, planners, and public organisations were organized. Promotional brochure was produced and distributed

Additional information

200



60

60

PARTNER 5 STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula The Bydgoszcz – Torun Metropolitan Area as the development zone

Name of Defris partner Regional Authority of Kujawsko – Pomorskie Voivodship

Name of the project The Bydgoszcz – Torun Metropolitan Area as the development zone

Contact person(s), contact information Adam Stańczyk Julian Ziemkowski

Implementation time period 07.2005 – 12.2006

Main objective, end result Main objectives: Assessment of determinants useful for setting the aims and

trends for: 1. optimal socio-economic development, functional-spatial

and transport structures of BTMA 2. establishing BTMA more attractive and competitive for

investments to improving the position and role of BTMA among polish metropolitan areas.

Particularly, two issues will be analysed: 1. socio-economical preconditions of development of BTMA 2. transport system of BTMA

200



61

61

Expected results: 1. the product of the project will be the text including

information and analyzes concerning socio-economical preconditions of development and transport system as well as large scale maps (maps at a scale of 1:50 000) including outputs of analyzes.

2. the project will cause better space management and creating the development. The study will be used as a part of diagnosis stage of “Plan of development and spatial development of BTMA”.

Activities (per MS if possible) MS 3 (07-12.2005) 1. collecting data 2. collecting and preparing maps 3. starting analyses of socio-economical and infrastructure

(especially transport, business development and services) preconditions of development

MS 4 (01-06.2006) 1. continuing of analyses; completing some parts of the

study 2. preparing 1:50 000 maps with spatial presentations of

analyzes’ outputs (map with socio-economical issues and map with infrastructure issues)

MS 5 (07-12.2006) 1. completing analyses 2. completing maps 3. preparing general assumptions for conception of

development and aims of development (for the next - plan - stage)

4. finishing the project – booklets containing completed studies of socio-economical preconditions and transport system for BTMA are available





Identified and established networks: • co-operation between regional and local authorities

(authorities of voivodship, counties and communes) • co-operation between specialized units for regional

planning (for Kujawsko-Pomorskie) and for urban planning (for Bydgoszcz and Toruń)

• co-operation between working team and external experts (commissioned analyzes)

Key questions analyzed in the project: • public and commercial services • transport system for internal and interregional

connections • settlement system • demographic issues • entrepreneurship, tourism and agriculture as factors of

economical development • strength and potential of metropolitan area

200



62

62

Ways of region’s cooperation in interregional zones: • cooperation in interregional zones should concern

transport connections

Implementation network (national) Authority of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship Authorities of communes and counties of BTMA (incl.

authorities of Bydgoszcz and Toruń) Specialized units for urban planning for Bydgoszcz and

Toruń The Board of BTMA External experts Expected support: • data, maps and documents support • opinions and comments for authors team • commissioned specialized analyses for the project


Regions/Activities involved in co-operation: Central Finland • Commercial service network of Central Finland • Road 9 development zone Östergotland • Service and communications • Conditions in the development zone • Threats and opportunities with integration • New solutions for public transport • Alternative rail transport solutions Pohjois-Savo • Promotion of business parks • Commercial service network of Pohjois-Savo Kaunas • Development of communications and transport systems • Opportunities of communication and transport systems

in the periphery Ways of co-operation: • exchange of studies • presentations of projects • discussing during common and group (thematic) sessions • completing thematic questionnaires • regular exchange of information (WP3 Newsletter)

200



63

63


Utilization: The study will be used as a part of diagnosis stage of “Plan of development and spatial development of BTMA”. So, it will be the tool helping voivodship, counties and communes authorities to manage and create development, especially improving socio-economical and transport conditions of BTMA The others benefits are: • collecting wide-range data concerning BTMA • the study will give the regional and over-regional

directions for more detailed (local) land-using and management plans

• creating network of co-operation in BTMA • Results could be utilized in land use planning for

communes. Dissemination: The results will be published and sent to all authorities in BTMA area.


200



64

64

STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula The conception of economic development of the Noteć River Valley


Name of the project The conception of economic development of the Noteć River Valley

Contact person(s), contact information Julian Ziemkowski Ewa Kurowska Dawid Mądrzyński


Main objective, end result Main objectives: 1. The assessment of the Noteć River Valley’s potential for

development. There are complicated preconditions and functional conflicts in this area (the environment protection, the agriculture, the industry).

2. Setting the aims and trends of development for economic activation of the Noteć River Valley (especially the tourist aspect) sticking to rules of sustainable development.

Expected results: 1. The product of the project will be the text which

comprises of information and analyses’ results, aims and development trends for the economic activation and creation of tourist product as well as large scale maps (maps at a scale of 1:50 000) comprise the information base, determinants of development and the spatial presentation of development trends.

200



65

65

2. The project will cause better management of the Noteć River Valley by recognizing of determinants in over-regional scale which improve the quality of the space management; the project will have the great significance in the Noteć River Valley promotion – the study will be also for promotion and statutory needs of social organizations which take up problems of the Noteć River Valley, the protection of environment, the tourism promotion, etc.

Activities (per MS if possible) MS 3 (07-12.2005) 1. collecting and preparing data 2. collecting maps 3. starting analyses of environmental, socio-economic

(especially business development) and infrastructure conditions of development

4. starting analyses of tourism values and tourism establishments, arrivals to the area, etc.

MS 4 (01-06.2006) 1. finishing analyses of environmental, socio-economic

(especially business development) and infrastructure conditions of development

2. finishing analyses of tourism values and tourism establishments, arrivals to the area, etc.

MS 5 (07-12.2006)

1. The first draft of conception of Noteć River Valley economic activation is available





Identified and established networks: • co-operation with regional and local authorities (of

voivodship, counties and communes) • co-operation with The Association of Towns and

Communes in Noteć Basin • co-operation with external experts • cooperation with Wielkopolskie Voivodship where

similar elaboration considering Noteć River Valley was made

• the project is connected with Bydgoszcz Water Junction, which is one of the most valuable heritages of Bydgoszcz and the main element of the international water highway that connects Eastern and Western Europe.

Key questions analyzed in the project: • the assessment of Noteć River Valley’s potential for

development • economic activation of the Noteć River Valley (especially

the tourist aspect): • modernization of the existing infrastructure and service

areas • creating and promoting new places for tourist to visit

and stay • demographic, agricultural, cultural and natural issues

200



66

66

• entrepreneurship, unemployment and migration rate Way’s of region’s cooperation in interregional zones: • co-operation with Wielkopolskie Voivodship • co-operation with tourist companies

Implementation network (national) Authorities of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship Authorities of gminas (communes) and powiats (counties) of Noteć River Valley and depending units of local management The Association of Towns and Communes in Noteć Basin • data, maps and documents support • opinions and comments for authors team Water Economy Regional Management • data, maps and documents support External experts


Regions/Activities involved in cooperation: • Östsam Service and communications • Pohjois-Savo Promotion of tourism centres • Kaunas County Opportunities of service development in the periphery Ways of cooperation: • exchange of studies, information • presentations and discussions during common and group

sessions • questionnaire concerning tourism created and sent to

Defris partners • exchanged information with Central Finland and Kaunas

region during work in group-sessions concerning tourism at Extra WGM in Jyväskylä


Utilization: The main benefit is helping voivodship, powiats (counties) and gminas (communes) authorities to manage and create development, especially improving socio-economic conditions of Noteć River Valley area. The others are: • establishing Noteć River Valley more attractive for

tourism • collecting wide-range data concerning Noteć River Valley • the study will give directions for local strategies, land-

using and management plans • creating network of co-operation in Noteć River Valley

area

200



67

67

Dissemination: The results will be published and send to all authorities in Noteć River Valley area and to The Association of Towns and Communes in Noteć Basin Seminars for local authorities were and will be organized.

Additional information and material The project has over-regional character, because the scope of research refers to very similar study made for part of the Noteć River Valley located in neighbouring Wielkopolskie Voivodship. The area of the project is also connected with Bydgoszcz Water Junction which is very important element in the strategy of Bydgoszcz development. The project will be very important „tool” for the regional and local authorities and their strategies of development, and local plans. Results will be utilized in the regional land use plan.

200



68

68

STRATEGIC PROJECTS / WORK PACKAGE 3 Project information formula Shaping the function of Włocławek as a regional centre


Name of the project Shaping the functions of Włocławek as a regional centre

Contact person(s), contact information Zbigniew Brenda Ewa Birek


Main objective, end result 1. Main objective: 1. Identifying regional services located in Włocławek 2. Assessment of service potential of the town

against the whole region 2. Expected results: The studies should make it possible to evaluate the level of connections between the town and its surroundings. It will be possible to determine whether, and to what extent, the services offered by the town meet the requirements of the residents of the functional area. Moreover, the studies should provide information concerning the problem of how competitive Włocławek is towards neighbouring centers such as Płock, Toruń, Konin.

Activities (per MS if possible) MS 3 (07-12.2005) • collecting data • preliminary delimitation of functional area

200



69

69

• establishing co-operation with local authorities • starting analyses • preparing and sending questionnaires MS 4 (01-06.2006) • carrying out analyses • collecting and analysing questionnaires – results • consultations with local authorities (direct meetings,

conferences) • verifying the boarders of the functional area • identification of overlocal functions that the town has for

its functional area MS 5 (07-12.2006) • completion of analysis • defining the directions of development of overlocal

services in Włocławek • preparing final report





Identified and established networks: • co-operation between local authorities (county and

communes) included in the functional area • co-operation between Authorities of the town of

Włocławek, Kujavian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other economic organisations, General Directorate of National Road and Motorways

• co-operation between working team Key question analyzed in the Project: • public and commercial services, especially overlocal

services - mainly: trade, secondary level education, higher level of education, cultural services, sport and tourism, healthcare services

• potential of city of Włocławek • raising of attractiveness and competitiveness of city

Implementation network (national) Authorities of communes and county, Authorities of the town of Włocławek, Kujavian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, other economic organisations Receiving support: • statistical data • opinions and comments for author team


Regions/Activities involved in co-operation: Central Finland • Commercial service network of Central Finland Pohjois-Savo • Commercial service network of Pohjois-Savo Östergötland • Service and communications Ways of co-operation: • exchange of studies • presentations of projects • discussing during common and group (thematic) sessions • regular exchange of information (WP3 Newsletter)

200



70

70


Utilization: The project may prove helpful in the local economic and spatial policy creation The other benefits are: • collecting wide-range data concerning Włocławek and its

functional area • taking notice of necessity of close co-operation between

the municipal self-government of Włocławek and the local self-governments of towns and communes included in the functional area

Dissemination: The results will be published in the form of a report and distributed among relevant local governments and institutions




SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND NETWORKS

defris common report wp3 27.4.2007 - · pdf filedefris – development of first division...

Documents