The Jakobstad Region
Together with the businesses in the Jakobstad region and the five municipalities that jointly own Concordia, we create vitality, development and growth. We protect the region’s interests at different levels, publish regional statistics, conduct studies, and keep track of our region’s state and development. Idea generation, co-operation and networking are important elements in the way we do things.
In order to continue developing as a region, we need external impulses. We have both national and international contacts. Concordia’s develoment projects collct’s EU-funding for the entire region and create conditions and a fertile ground for a thriving, attractive, and competitive region. What’s more, we think as one. What benefits the region, benefits us all.
At the Best Place in the World we like to everybody come, thrive and succeed!
The Best Place in the World
Jakobstad Region, Finland, is one of the country’s most export-driven and industrially dynamic business hubs.
Home to more than 50 500 inhabitant’s, 9,000 companies and a business 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, accounting 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, paper and pulp, advanced manufacturing, metals, plastics and composites, boatbuilding, automation, and industrial technology. Over 50% of the added value in the Jakobstad Region relates to manufacturing industry.
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 functioning port and logistics network, access to green energy, skilled international talent, and close collaboration between businesses and public stakeholders. With major industrial investments emerging along Finland’s west coast, the 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+
Companies
2 bn €
Annual export value
News from the jakobstad Region
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,
Registration for the Jakobstad region’s largest recruitment event is now open. OptiCareer Day 2027 will take place on Wednesday, 20 January 2027, and companies can now secure their place at
SSAB, LKAB and Stegra are just a few of the major investments transforming northern Sweden. Along the “Malmbanan”, large-scale industrial projects are driving rapid growth in both Luleå and Boden,
Material & statistics
