Lapland’s possibilities to enhance

national competitiveness in

accordance with the Lapland-

agreement

Päivi Ekdahl, Regional Council of Lapland

Muonio 26.11.2014

Lapland agreement – Lapland’s regionaldevelopment programme 2014-2017

• Was prepared in close cooperation and network with regional organisations and stakeholders

• Was approved by the Assembly of theRegional Council in May 2014

• Defines the strategic priority areas that arejointly selected to be the ones cross-cuttingall sectors-> flexibility and reactivity

Strategic choises

Competitiveness and work in theopen and Arctic Lapland

Response to the structural reform –Consider it done!

Functional connections – to Lapland, in Lapland and from Lapland

Target situation to be reached

1. The brand of Lapland brings investmentsand new inhabitants

2. Lapland offers work and livelihood3. We are jointly one step ahead, with our

joint solutions4. Our service structure raises from the

people5. We are a significant region6. Our functional connections serve the

local inhabitants, visitors and the Arcticdimension

7. Lapland’s regional structure is developingsupporting the whole county

Tools for the future -

• Foresight instead of reaction• Creativity• Braveness• Pride

…. To become a model region of Finland in

* Smart specialisation* Cluster in resource-efficiency, sustainability and natural resources* Service and administrative structures

etc….

Resources• National resources for regional development

have vanished• Active participation to regional/ external EU-

funded programmes 2014-2020– Sustainable growth and jobs – Finland’s

Structural Funds –proramme– Interreg V A North Programme– Northern Periphery and the Arctic –

programme– Interreg Europe– Kolarctic CBC Programme

• Towards European-wide programmes– Horizon 2020…… and many others

Thank you !