Finlande

This report identifies 12 recommendations that can assist the municipality of Outokumpu and the region of North Karelia in Finland to become key players in the national mining strategy and attain sustainable economic growth by: focusing on mobilising the potential of the local mining value chain, diversifying and developing new sources of economic growth, and improving governance co-ordination. It is part of a project that is building a platform for knowledge sharing and co-operation on increasing productivity and enhancing the well-being of cities and regions with a specialisation in the mining and extractive sector (metals, minerals, and energy resources).

The northern sparsely populated areas (NSPA) of Finland, Norway and Sweden are becoming increasingly important to the geopolitical and economic interests of these countries and the European Union. These regions have unique geographical characteristics - low population density and a harsh climate - and face specific challenges due to an ageing population, long distances from markets, and high-cost land transport. However, high productivity growth is possible in low-density regions. This report sets out policy recommendations at cross-border, national and regional scales to enhance prosperity and well-being across the NSPA. This includes closer co-operation with national governments to address shared challenges and opportunities such as improving east-west transport connections and reducing occupational and skills barriers to labour mobility, and addressing barriers to business growth such as access to finance.