Finland
Programmes summaries :
Åland Islands ERDF operational programme
1. Åland Islands ERDF operational programme (Operativt program för ERUF på Åland) Programme under Competitiveness and employment objective, co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Summary
The European Commission approved on the 9 October 2007 a regional operational programme for Åland Islands NUTSII region for the period 2007-2013, entitled "Operativt program för Europeiska regionala utvecklingsfonden på Åland" within the framework of the Competitiveness and employment objective. The programme covers the NUTSIII region of Ahvenanmaa with a population of approximately 26.700 inhabitants at the end of 2005.
The total budget of the programme is around EUR 6.25 million and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to EUR 3.125 million.
3. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
The region of Åland Islands is characterised by its location and its' autonomous status from Finland. Åland is an archipelago, which consists of over 6.700 islands, between Finland and Sweden. Due to its location it has a long tradition in marine and shipping sector, which still is one of the main industrial sectors together with service sector. The main challenges of the region stem from its' ageing population and lack of higher education opportunities and structural problems relating to decline of agricultural jobs and regional development disparities between the main city of Mariehamn and the rest of the archipelago. The dependence on only few sectors (like marine and shipping) is a challenge. The environmental risks and the situation of the Baltic Sea are considered very important as the archipelago and its' environment are very vulnerable and as tourism, which heavily relies on the nature, is also important sector in Åland Islands.
During 2000-06 Åland Islands benefited from Structural Fund support of nearly EUR 4.8 million within the Åland Islands Objective 2 programme, with the help of which more than 200 new jobs were created, over 130 jobs were maintained, and nearly 30 new companies were created by the end of year 2006.
The new EU programme for 2007-13 aims to build on the success of the previous programme and the objective of the Competitiveness and employment programme for Åland Islands is to increase productivity (level of refinement of products is of major importance) and knowledge level in production processes and products. All this will be accomplished within the framework of sustainable development, to create conditions for a stable industry activity, safeguarded employment and good sources of income in the region. In addition, through interregional projects can archipelago and islands specific issues be lifted up.
4. The expected impact of the investment
The programme aims to improve the competitiveness in 50 existing enterprises and create 10 new enterprises. 30 new jobs will be created and 10 new products will be developed. 96% of the investment available has been earmarked for Lisbon-related expenditure, which is above the Community objective of 75% for Regional Competitiveness and Employment regions.
5. Priorities
The programme will be implemented through one main priority plus a Technical Assistance priority.
Priority 1: Business and innovation: This Priority aims at developing productivity, creating more jobs and safeguarding existing jobs through supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and growth of enterprises by developing new products and that the added value among existed products is increased. Know-how and the technology level will be increased through skills transfer and investment on increased international contacts.
Priority 2: Technical assistance: This Priority will provide support for programme management and implementation, including technical support, communications and publicity, research and evaluation actions.
6. Responsible Authority and contact details
Government of Åland, Department for Trade and Industry;
Managing Authority for Operational Programme "Operativt program för Europeiska regionala utvecklingsfonden på Åland"
Director General Linnéa Johansson
Självstyrelsegården
P.O. BOX 1060, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland
Tel +358 (0)18 25 000
Fax +358 (0)18 19155
E-mail: linnea.johansson@regeringen.ax
Web: http://www.regeringen.ax/
Western Finland ERDF operational programme
2. Western Finland ERDF operational programme (Länsi-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma) Programme under Competitiveness and employment objective, co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
3. Summary
The European Commission approved on 27 September 2007 a regional operational programme for Western Finland region for the period 2007-2013, entitled "Länsi-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma" within the framework of the Competitiveness and employment objective. The programme covers the regions of Southern Ostrobothnia, Central Finland, Pirkanmaa, Ostrobothnia and Satakunta with a population of approximately 1,33 million at the end of 2005.
The total budget of the programme is around EUR 398.4 million and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to EUR 159.4 million, which accounts for approximately 9 % of the total amount invested in Finland during programming period 2007-2013.
4. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
Western Finland is based on strong urban centres and the surrounding rural areas with their own sub regional centres. The main strengths of the urban areas include basic industry and processing, an entrepreneurial tradition, high quality education system and good communication networks. Internationally renowned technology skills are also characteristic of some urban areas. On the other hand, Western Finland plays an important role in Finland's agricultural production. The coastal area of the Gulf of Bothnia is important to the whole of Finland in terms of marine connections. The main challenges of the region stem from its higher than average unemployment rate, regional differences in demographic trends and in some sectors also lack of skilled labour. Metal and technology industry, mechanical wood processing and forest, energy and food industry clusters are well developed in the region. Also the maritime cluster is strong. Sometimes areas are very dependant on these clusters and this can be also seen as a challenge in the globalising operating environment.
During 2000-06 Western Finland benefited from Structural Fund support of over EUR 297 million within the Western Finland Objective 2 programme, with the help of which more than 24,000 new jobs were created, over 31,000 jobs were maintained, and nearly 4,500 new companies were created by the end of year 2006.
The new EU programme for 2007-13 aims to build on the success of the previous programme and the objective of the Competitiveness and employment programme for Western Finland is strengthening of balanced and sustainable regional development and the development of innovation and knowledge structures in key sectors.
5. The expected impact of the investment
The programme aims to create 9,800 new jobs and 2,000 new enterprises. The aim is to use 12,5% of the financial envelope to research and development projects creating 150 new R&D jobs. 80.4% of the investment available has been earmarked for Lisbon-related expenditure, which is above the Community objective of 75% for Regional Competitiveness and Employment regions.
6. Priority axes
The programme will be implemented through four main priorities plus a Technical Assistance priority.
Priority 1: Promotion of business activity: This priority aims at developing productivity, creating more jobs and safeguarding existing jobs through supporting entrepreneurship and growth of enterprises and through improving access to business services and finance.
Priority 2: Promotion of innovation activity and networking, and reinforcing knowledge structures: This priority aims to activate expert networks with strong links to the national and international development projects of enterprises, universities, research institutes as well as regional businesses, and to support the creation and development of centres of excellence for key sectors.
Priority 3: Improving regional accessibility and operational environments: This priority will concentrate on three central areas: a). Improvement of regional accessibility and level of well being; b). Support for tourism and related business operating environments; and c) Environmental risk management and supporting nature diversity.
Priority 4: Development of larger urban areas: This priority will focus on developing knowledge-intensive sectors and the service sector and nurturing creativity, promoting the community spirit and improving the competitiveness of the large urban areas of Western Finland.
Priority 5: Technical assistance: This priority will provide support for programme management and implementation, including technical support, communications and publicity, research and evaluation actions.
7. Responsible Authority and contact details
Ministry of the Interior, Department for Development of Regions and Public Administration;
Managing Authority for Operational Programme "Länsi-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma"
Director General Silja Hiironniemi
Address: P.O. Box 26, FI-00023 Government, Finland
Tel. +358-9-16001
Fax +358-9-160 44635
E-mail: silja.hiironniemi@intermin.fi
Eastern Finland ERDF operational programme
1. Finland
2. Eastern Finland ERDF operational programme (Itä-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma) Programme under Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective, co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a phasing-in region
3. Summary
The European Commission approved on 28 September 2007 a regional operational programme for Eastern Finland region for the period 2007-2013, entitled "Itä-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma" within the framework of the Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective. The programme covers the regions of Southern Savo, Kainuu, North Karelia, and Northern Savo with a population of approximately 664,000 at the end of 2005.
The total budget of the programme is around EUR 1.5 billion and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to EUR 365.6 million, which accounts for approximately 21 % of the total amount invested in Finland during programming period 2007-2013. Eastern Finland has a "phasing-in" status, which means a strongly diminishing financing profile over the years 2007-13. Due to its permanent handicap caused by sparse population and remoteness, the region benefits from a special allocation for sparsely populated areas of EUR 35 per inhabitant per year from the ERDF , totalling EUR 186 million during the programming period. The special allocation amount is included in the total amount of ERDF investment for the programme.
4. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
Eastern Finland is a peripheral and very sparsely populated area. Declining population and a high unemployment rate have been Eastern Finland’s key challenges for years. Also, its population is ageing very fast. Slower economic growth than elsewhere in Finland weakens the potential to develop the area and improve its competitiveness. The strengths of Eastern Finland are its nature and natural resources and their utilisation, as well as the expertise of its universities, polytechnics, research institutes and high-technology enterprises.
During 2000-06 Eastern Finland benefited from Structural Funds support of over EUR 650 million within the Eastern Finland Objective 1 programme, with the help of which 27,000 new jobs were created, 41,000 jobs were maintained, and nearly 6,000 new companies were created by the end of 2006.
The new EU programme for 2007-13 aims to build on the success of the previous programme and to continue alleviating the negative effects caused by the regional challenges and developing the competitiveness of the region based on its strengths by promoting the competitiveness of enterprises, by developing well-functioning innovation systems, and by improving the accessibility and attractiveness of the region. The vision is to make Eastern Finland a globally competitive and open environment for knowledge, entrepreneurship and living.
5. The expected impact of the investment
The programme aims to create over 13,000 new jobs and over 2,000 new enterprises. The aim is to use 35% of the financial framework to research and development projects creating 800 new R&D jobs. 86% of the investment available has been earmarked for Lisbon-related expenditure, which is well above the Community objective of 75% for Regional Competitiveness and Employment regions.
6. Priority axes
The programme will be implemented through three main priorities and a technical assistance priority.
Priority 1: Promotion of business activity: This priority aims at developing productivity, creating more jobs and safeguarding existing jobs through supporting entrepreneurship and growth of enterprises and through improving access to business services and finance.
Priority 2: Promotion of innovation activity and networking, and reinforcing knowledge structures: This priority aims to activate expert networks with strong links to the national and international development projects of enterprises, universities, research institutes as well as regional businesses, and to support the creation and development of centres of excellence for key sectors.
Priority 3: Improving regional accessibility and operational environments: Long distances, a sparse population, a vulnerable environment and cold climate pose challenges to increasing the competitiveness of enterprises and quality of life. This priority aims to improve the accessibility and attractiveness of the region for businesses, employees and tourist by improving logistics and transport connections, services, environment and tourist attractions.
Priority 4: Technical assistance: This priority will provide support for programme management and implementation, including technical support, communications and publicity, research and evaluation actions.
7. Responsible Authority and contact details
Ministry of the Interior, Department for Development of Regions and Public Administration;
Managing Authority for Operational Programme "Itä-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma"
Director General Silja Hiironniemi
Address: P.O. Box 26, FI-00023 Government, Finland
Tel. +358-9-16001
Fax +358-9-160 44635
E-mail: silja.hiironniemi@intermin.fi
Southern Finland ERDF operational programme
1. Finland
2. Southern Finland ERDF operational programme (Etelä-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma) Programme under Competitiveness and employment objective, co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
3. Summary
The European Commission approved on 27 September 2007 a regional operational programme for Southern Finland region for the period 2007-2013, entitled "Etelä-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma" within the framework of the Competitiveness and employment objective. The programme covers the regions of Southwest Finland, Häme, Päijät-Häme, Kymenlaakso, Uusimaa, East Uusimaa and South Karelia with a population of approximately 2.60 million at the end of 2005.
The total budget of the programme is around EUR 345.2 million and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to EUR 138.1 million, which accounts for approximately 8 % of the total Structural Fund money invested in Finland during programming period 2007-2013.
4. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
The area of Southern Finland is at the cutting edge of development in Finland, forming the main artery for Finnish exports and imports. Strong sectors in Southern Finland include the information and communication technology, biotechnology and environmental technology, services, the metals, paper and wood product industry, oil refining and the chemical industry and agriculture and the food industry. Southern Finland is mainly an area of strong population growth, but several municipalities in this area also suffer from migration loss.
The region can be characterised as an entity with dense network of service centres, high level and relatively good availability of social welfare and health services and mainly functional transport network. Two main urban centres are also located in the programme area, namely Helsinki Metropolitan region and Turku region. Southern Finland is the most important node for international traffic and forms a key link to connections to Russia. Mismatch between labour supply and demand, the rapid ageing of the population and provision of services in changing demographic situation are the main challenges of the area. The protection of the Baltic Sea and management of environmental risks are also challenges.
During 2000-06 Southern Finland benefited from Structural Fund support of over EUR 228 million within the Southern Finland Objective 2 programme, with the help of which more than 13,500 new jobs were created, over 13,700 jobs were maintained, and nearly 2,300 new companies were created by the end of year 2006.
The new EU programme for 2007-13 aims to build on the success of the previous programme and the objective of the Competitiveness and employment programme for Southern Finland is to strengthen international competitiveness, increase specialised knowledge, build and maintain strong networks and centres and create efficient and competitive community structure.
5. The expected impact of the investment
The programme aims to create 4,200 new jobs and 920 new enterprises. The aim is to use 15,5% of the financial framework to research and development projects creating 290 new R&D jobs. 81.6% of the investment available has been earmarked for Lisbon-related expenditure, which is above the Community objective of 75% for Regional Competitiveness and Employment regions.
6. Priority axes
The programme will be implemented through five main priorities plus a Technical Assistance priority.
Priority 1: Promotion of business activity: This priority aims at developing productivity, creating more jobs and safeguarding existing jobs through supporting entrepreneurship and growth of enterprises and through improving access to business services and finance.
Priority 2: Promotion of innovation activity and networking, and reinforcing knowledge structures: This priority aims to activate expert networks with strong links to the national and international development projects of enterprises, universities, research institutes as well as regional businesses, and to support the creation and development of centres of excellence for key sectors.
Priority 3: Improving regional accessibility and operational environments: This priority will concentrate on three central areas of emphasis concerning regional competitiveness: a) Improvement of logistics connections, including ICT connections; b) Environmental risk management and improvement of tourism operating conditions; and c) Accessibility and development of services and applications
Priority 4: Development of larger urban areas: The priority will provide support to promote the attractiveness, sense of community and social cohesion of towns and creating a pleasant and safe urban environment.
Priority 5: Thematic development at regional level: The aim of thematic targeting is to develop knowledge clusters in the area through broad, interregional umbrella projects. The themes are associated with the development of clusters, networks or sectors and pilot actions to provide and ensure various services, for example.
Priority 6: Technical assistance: This priority will provide support for programme management and implementation, including technical support, communications and publicity, research and evaluation actions.
7. Responsible Authority and contact details
Ministry of the Interior, Department for Development of Regions and Public Administration;
Managing Authority for Operational Programme "Etelä-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma"
Director General Silja Hiironniemi
Address: P.O. Box 26, FI-00023 Government, Finland
Tel. +358-9-16001
Fax +358-9-160 44635
E-mail: silja.hiironniemi@intermin.fi
Northern Finland ERDF operational programme
1. Finland
2. Northern Finland ERDF operational programme (Pohjois-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma) Programme under Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective, co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
3. Summary
The European Commission approved on 27 September 2007 a regional operational programme for Northern Finland region for the period 2007-2013, entitled "Pohjois-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma" within the framework of the Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective. The programme covers the regions of Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland, and Northern Ostrobothnia with a population of approximately 634,500 at the end of 2005.
The total budget of the programme is around EUR 1.1 billion and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to EUR 311.3 million, which accounts for approximately 18 % of the total Structural Fund money invested in Finland during programming period 2007-2013. Due to its permanent handicap caused by sparse population and remoteness, the Northern Finland region benefits from a special allocation for sparsely populated areas of EUR 35 per inhabitant per year from the ERDF, totalling EUR 173 million during the programming period. The special allocation amount is included in the total amount of ERDF investment to the programme.
4. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
Northern Finland is the northernmost and one of the most sparsely populated areas in the European Union. The main challenges of the region stem from its peripherality, harsh climatic conditions and sparse and rapidly ageing population. However, the interesting geopolitical location with long external borders with Norway and Russia offer possibilities for more efficient exploitation of Northwest Russian oil, gas and mineral reserves in the future. Northern Finland also has an important processing and knowledge cluster for metal and steel industry and the region is becoming one of the most important regions for extractive industry in Europe. In addition, Northern Finland is an important leisure location that is specialised in nature-based experience production for European tourists.
During 2000-06 Northern Finland benefited from Structural Funds support of over EUR 335 million within the Northern Finland Objective 1 programme, with the help of which more than 11,000 new jobs were created, nearly 18,000 jobs were maintained, and nearly 1,800 new companies were created by the end of year 2006.
The new EU programme for 2007-13 aims to build on the success of the previous programme and the objective of the Regional competitiveness and employment programme for Northern Finland is to enhance the region’s national and international competitiveness as a response to the ongoing restructuring in its population and sources of livelihood. The strategy for the programme has four main priorities: innovative competitiveness, enterprise growth, accessibility and regional attractiveness factors.
5. The expected impact of the investment
The programme aims to create 11,000 new jobs and 1,500 new enterprises. The aim is to use 25% of the financial framework to research and development projects creating 1,000 new R&D jobs. 76.2% of the investment available has been earmarked for Lisbon-related expenditure, which is above the Community objective of 75% for Regional Competitiveness and Employment regions.
6. Priority axes
The programme will be implemented through three main priorities and a technical assistance priority.
Priority 1: Promotion of business activity: This priority aims at developing productivity, creating more jobs and safeguarding existing jobs through supporting entrepreneurship and growth of enterprises and through improving access to business services and finance.
Priority 2: Promotion of innovation activity and networking, and reinforcing knowledge structures: This priority aims to activate expert networks with strong links to the national and international development projects of enterprises, universities, research institutes as well as regional businesses, and to support the creation and development of centres of excellence for key sectors.
Priority 3: Improving regional accessibility and operational environments: Long distances, a sparse population, a vulnerable environment and cold climate pose challenges to increasing the competitiveness of enterprises and quality of life. This priority aims to improve the accessibility and attractiveness of the region for businesses, employees and tourist by improving logistics and transport connections, services, environment and tourist attractions.
Priority 4: Technical assistance: This Priority will provide support for programme management and implementation, including technical support, communications and publicity, research and evaluation actions.
7. Responsible Authority and contact details
Ministry of the Interior, Department for Development of Regions and Public Administration;
Managing Authority for Operational Programme "Pohjois-Suomen EAKR-toimenpideohjelma"
Director General Silja Hiironniemi
Address: P.O. Box 26, FI-00023 Government, Finland
Tel. +358-9-16001
Fax +358-9-160 44635
E-mail: silja.hiironniemi@intermin.fi