The Jakobstad Region
Together with businesses in the Jakobstad region and the five municipalities that jointly own Concordia, we promote vitality, development and growth. We represent the region’s interests at local, national and international levels, publish regional statistics, conduct studies and monitor the region’s development. Idea generation, co-operation and networking are central to the way we work.
Continued regional development requires new ideas and perspectives from outside the region. We maintain both national and international networks. Concordia’s develoment projects secure EU funding for the entire region and help create a thriving, attractive and competitive business environment in the Jakobstad Region. Above all, we work towards shared regional goals: what benefits the region, benefits us all.
In the Best Place in the World, we welcome everybody to come visit, thrive and succeed!
The Best Place in the World
The Jakobstad Region in West Coast of Finland, is one of the country’s most export-driven and industrially dynamic business hubs.
Home to more than 50,500 inhabitants, 9,000 businesses with a combined turnover of approximately €4.5 billion, the region combines global competitiveness with a strong entrepreneurial culture and extensive industrial expertise.
Manufacturing is the backbone of the regional economy and accounts for over 40% of all jobs – one of the highest shares in Finland. The region is internationally recognized for its strong clusters in food production, pulp and paper, advanced manufacturing, metals, plastics and composites, boatbuilding, automation and industrial technology. Manufacturing generates more than 50% of the Jakobstad Region’s value added.
Growth is driven by exports. Since 2015, industrial exports have increased by almost 80% to nearly €2 billion annually, significantly outperforming the national average. At the same time, companies continue to invest heavily in production, innovation, automation and sustainable solutions.
The Jakobstad Region offers a strategic coastal location, a well-functioning port and logistics network, access to green energy, skilled international talent and close collaboration between businesses and public-sector stakeholders. With major industrial investments planned and under way along Finland’s west coast, the Jakobstad region is ideally positioned for future growth, partnerships and new business opportunities.
Key Figures
50 500+
Inhabitants
23 000+
Workforce
4,5
Mrd € turnover
9 000+
Businesses
2 bn €
Annual export value
News from the Jakobstad Region
During spring 2025, the Invest In Focus for the Jakobstad Region -project has examined the region’s potential for growth, investment and new business establishments. Why, and for whom? To influence
We have now launched the English version of the Jakobstad region’s Invest In website. First and foremost, the site is there to help external investors and companies considering a location
22 October 2026 | Optima, Jakobstad Have you tried ChatGPT or other AI tools but are still wondering how they can actually help your business? During this workshop, we will
The BRIDGE project supports small and medium-sized enterprises receive in developing robust business models, strengthening their innovation capacity and managing resilience-related risks. The work includes analyses, company meetings, competence development,
Material & statistics
