As a regional council, we are responsible for the development of Helsinki-Uusimaa. Our work looks far ahead, while also shaping development actions in the coming years. To support this work, we work with regional stakeholders to develop joint strategies and programmes. Together, these help strengthen competitiveness, support wellbeing and skills, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme sets the direction for the region’s development over the coming years. The programme, covering the period 2026–2029, defines key development objectives and outlines a long-term vision for 2050.
Vision and priorities of the Regional Programme
Helsinki-Uusimaa’s vision for 2050 is to be ‘the happiest, most innovative and environmentally smartest region in Europe’. The programme’s priorities and objectives support this vision. The programme also includes smart specialisation priorities that guide research, development and innovation activities.
Priority 1: Environmentally smart Helsinki-Uusimaa
Main objective: Europe’s most environmentally smart region
Objectives:
- Nature-positive Helsinki-Uusimaa
- A carbon-negative circular economy society
- A climate-resilient region
Priority 2: Innovative Helsinki-Uusimaa
Main objective: Europe’s most innovative region
Objectives:
- A driving force for innovation in Europe
- Vitality and investment through networks
- A region for talent
Priority 3: Happy Helsinki-Uusimaa
Main objective: Europe’s most liveable region
Objectives:
- A diverse metropolitan region
- A good region to integrate into
- Work and wellbeing for young people
Achieving the objectives together
The Regional Programme sets the direction for Helsinki-Uusimaa’s development over a four-year period. It outlines the region’s opportunities and key success factors, and guides the allocation of regional project funding.
The programme identifies research, development and innovation priorities that serve as the region’s smart specialisation priorities, in line with European Commission requirements. It also serves as the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council’s strategy and guides its advocacy work.
The Regional Programme is implemented by key development actors in Helsinki-Uusimaa, including municipalities, higher education institutions, vocational institutes and civil society organisations. Implementation is primarily carried out through projects.
Regional development in Finland is governed by legislation on regional development and the implementation of EU regional and structural policy.
Find out more
Innovative Helsinki-Uusimaa
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Region is one of the most innovative regions in Europe and the most dynamic region in Finland.
For more information, please contact:
Rosa Tuomi
Senior Adviser
Foresight, education policy, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme
Venla Virkamäki
Innovation Manager
venla.virkamaki@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Development of R&I and international marketing, Strategy for smart specialisation, EU cooperation
Current
News
8.12.2025
The EU’s new Bioeconomy Strategy offers strong prospects for Helsinki-Uusimaa
The European Commission published its new Bioeconomy Strategy today, setting the direction for the development of one of Europe’s fastest-growing sectors. The bioeconomy still holds considerable untapped potential, which the Commission now aims to unlock to drive sustainable economic growth, accelerate innovation and create new jobs. The strategy is also directly linked to Helsinki-Uusimaa’s goals for climate neutrality, the circular economy, biodiversity and sustainable food systems.
News
19.11.2025
Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council helps boost the region’s food innovation ecosystem
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme and the roadmap for a carbon neutral Helsinki-Uusimaa 2030 identify a need to transform the region’s food system to become more sustainable. Helsinki-Uusimaa aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, and making the region’s food system more sustainable and low-carbon plays a key role in achieving this climate target.
This page was last updated: 22.1.2026