Over the past months, much of our work behind the scenes has focused on deepening our understanding of the region’s strong business sector and the opportunities for new establishments and investments.
With a highly diverse private sector and cities and municipalities acting as key enablers, growth-related issues are complex. How do we grow? How are different industries evolving? How can we create conditions that support both the development of existing companies and the attraction of new technologies, industries and business sectors in the future? Equally important is the development of infrastructure and logistics to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global environment.
These questions are currently being addressed through the project “Establishment Focus for the Jakobstad Region – Capacity Building and Strategic Choices”, financed by the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia via the AKKE program, as well as through our own organisational resources.
By the autumn, we will have new insights into:
- growth scenarios and risk analyses related to population development and housing supply
- deeper knowledge of the region’s key industries
- identified gaps and needs in relation to new investments and establishments
trends in export value, investments, turnover and private-sector research and development
At the same time, a new investment and establishment website is being developed, and training sessions on the topic will be arranged for public officials and companies during the autumn.
Even at this point, the findings are clear.
- The Jakobstad Region has a strong foundation and organic growth within its private sector. The potential for rapid and significant growth is evident.
- Preparing for growth will require coordinated efforts in land-use planning, housing, supplier development within companies and continued advocacy for well-functioning and future-proof infrastructure.
After the summer period, several in-depth analyses will be completed, forming the basis for concrete objectives and actions.
Fredrik Sandelin, Regional Development Manager
fredrik.sandelin@concordia.jakobstad.fi