Helsinki-Uusimaa aims to become the happiest, most innovative and environmentally smartest region in Europe
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Assembly approved the new regional programme at its meeting on 9 December. The programme is titled Helsinki-Uusimaa, a Region of Solutions – Pioneer in Finland, Forerunner in Europe. It sets out the region’s vision of becoming the happiest, most innovative and environmentally smartest region in Europe by 2050.
“The programme’s name reflects our courage to take on major challenges and to create solutions that move Helsinki-Uusimaa and all of Finland forward. As a region, we are vital to Finland’s success and also an influential international actor,” says Tuija Telén, Regional Mayor of Helsinki-Uusimaa.
As a region, we are vital to Finland’s success and also an influential international actor.
The regional programme sets out the priorities and objectives for 2026–2029 for the development of the entire Helsinki-Uusimaa region.
Under the Environmentally Smart Helsinki-Uusimaa priority, the focus is on finding solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss and the overconsumption of natural resources.
The Innovative Helsinki-Uusimaa priority aims to boost research, development and innovation (RDI) activities to support renewal, strengthen vitality and provide solutions to the challenges of our time.
The Happy Helsinki-Uusimaa priority focuses on improving well-being, with a strong emphasis on developing the region as a whole, integration and young people.
The regional programme addresses Helsinki-Uusimaa’s challenges
The regional programme sets the direction for the development of Helsinki-Uusimaa for 2026–2029. Its objectives are based on the region’s current situation, opportunities and key strengths. The new programme has been prepared in close and broad cooperation.
“Finland’s economic growth has been stagnant for a long time, and unemployment in our region has increased more than elsewhere in the country. In difficult times, cooperation is more important than ever,” Telén says.
The programme’s priorities and objectives are aligned with EU policies and various programmes. The themes of the previous regional programme are still relevant, but the emphasis has shifted. Some new areas have also emerged, such as overall security.
“Achieving these ambitious objectives requires long-term work. Helsinki-Uusimaa must dare to look far ahead and make choices that drive Finland and Europe forward,” Telén says.
Helsinki-Uusimaa must dare to look far ahead and make choices that drive Finland and Europe forward.
The regional 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 strategy for the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council.
Separate roadmaps will be drawn up for the programme’s priorities, setting out the measures to support the achievement of the objectives. The programme is implemented by key development actors in Helsinki-Uusimaa, including municipalities, higher education institutions, vocational institutes and civil society organisations. Implementation will primarily take place through projects.
Read more about the program:
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
Find out more
Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme
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.
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