Regional Development and Funding
Regional development is work for the future of Southwest Finland. We bring together people, ideas, and actors to build a sustainable, vibrant, and thriving region. We coordinate the preparation and implementation of the Southwest Finland’s strategy together with regional stakeholders. The vision is a region that builds connections and anchors Finland to the west. EU funding, national programs, and international cooperation support this work.
The Region’s Common Direction
The Strategy for Southwest Finland 2040+ is the region’s common compass for the future. It combines the regional plan, regional program, and smart specialization strategy, and its preparation is carried out in cooperation with regional stakeholders. The strategy work provides direction for development and brings together what makes Southwest Finland a sustainable and vibrant region.
EU funding supports sustainable growth, renewal, and well-being in Southwest Finland. It enables the implementation of projects that strengthen the region’s vitality, employment, and expertise, while also promoting the green transition and innovation.
The Regional Council guides and coordinates the allocation of funding in line with the objectives of the Southwest Finland Strategy 2040+, in cooperation with regional stakeholders. Influencing the preparation of the new EU programming period is also an important part of this work.
The Developer Forum brings together the development networks of Varsinais-Suomi—it is a network of networks where knowledge, experiences, and ideas are shared. The forum supports the implementation of the Southwest Finland’s strategy and strengthens cooperation at different levels of development. It also provides a platform where impactful projects benefiting the entire region can be developed together. Through the Developer Forum, a common understanding and direction for the future of Southwest Finland is built—openly and through dialogue.
Development Priorities
Competence and education are the foundation of Southwest Finland’s development and a resource for the future. The region’s educational networks, higher education institutions, and working life together build opportunities for lifelong learning and anticipate future competence needs through the cooperation of the Foresight Academy. The Southwest Finland Strategy 2040+ emphasizes a positive attitude toward skilled professionals, workforce availability, and attraction—aiming for a region that develops, engages, and attracts talent to support sustainable growth.
Research, development, and innovation activities are a key driver of renewal and sustainable growth in Southwest Finland. RDI activities bring together higher education institutions, businesses, and public actors to develop new solutions and strengthen the region’s vitality.
The work is guided by the Southwest Finland Strategy 2040+, the region’s common RDI roadmap, and smart specialization priorities and green transition investments that support international competitiveness.
The vitality of Southwest Finland is built on diverse business activity, cooperation, and the ability to renew. The region’s strengths include maritime industry, pharmaceutical development and health technology, the circular economy, food, and tourism – including sectors based on rural and archipelago livelihoods – where growth and internationalisation bring new jobs and investments. Development efforts are guided by the green transition and the principles of sustainable business, strengthening the region’s competitiveness and attractiveness.
International cooperation brings benchmarking, experimentation, and joint development projects to regional development in Southwest Finland, helping to put the objectives of the regional strategy into practice through collaboration and influence. Through this cooperation, solutions are tested and lessons are learned from other regions, particularly in the thematic areas where Southwest Finland aims to focus its development.
