International competitiveness of the Helsinki region

MDI studied the perspective of LHT planning (MAL in Finnish), emphasising the international competitiveness of the Helsinki region in relation to the metropoles of Stockholm, Gothenburg, Oslo, Copenhagen-Malmö and Tallinn and Riga (‘Baltic urban areas’). The study was carried out as part of the LHT 23 design work and defined competitiveness as a constructive success in a variety of ways in terms of attractiveness, productivity and innovation, quality of life and nurturing the environment. A total of 48 urban areas were compared using a total of 48 indicators. Based on the results of the comparison, the study also structured which issues affecting the competitiveness of the urban area can be influenced by LHT planning. The study included definition of competitiveness and a review of competitiveness indicators, a compilation of a statistical data package and trend data, an analysis of the causes and explanations of phenomena, a workshop and policy briefs. The findings and conclusions were reported in a compact format.The work was carried out in cooperation with WSP.