MDI Think Bank: What is the 4th Generation of Regional Development Companies?

The main task of first generation of regional development companies in late 1980s was the fostering of regional economic development. In the second generation after Finland joined the EU in the mid-1990s to mid-2000s, the role of strategic and programme development became central. That was also the golden period of the development of functional urban regions in Finland. From late 2000s to this day, the capability of leading and running networks has become a success factor. According to MDI, now it is time for passion-driven fourth generation, where the most important asset of development companies is the capability to light fire to people and keep up enthusiasm for development. MDI invited Finnish Regional Development Companies to a Think Bank, where highlights from previous phases and principles for fourth generation were generated.