Updating the knowledge base for the international competitiveness of the metropolitan area and population projections for the metropolitan area and Uusimaa until 2040

The core issue of the study was to determine the direction in which the international competitiveness of the metropolitan area has developed in recent years, i.e. whether the metropolitan area is falling behind compared to other Baltic Sea comparisons. The work was done by updating the knowledge base for the ‘City Champions League’ (chapter 3) as well as collecting more detailed information on inter-city rankings. Comparison data on the changes in the lists were collected in time, as well as a deeper knowledge of why the positions of Helsinki or the control groups had changed in these comparisons.

According to the background study, the competitiveness of the Helsinki metropolitan area in the Baltic Sea region is moderately good, but the competing metropolitan areas of the western neighbours are slightly more developed and the growth rates of the metropolitan areas in the Baltic countries are higher, i.e. they are rapidly catching up with the Helsinki metropolitan area. Raising the level of competence and attracting talent in long-term competitiveness is vital. In comparison, worrying signals that metropolitan areas in neighbouring countries attracted high-skill jobs and talent better. The employment rate lags behind other Nordic countries, including in the metropolitan area.

The traction and holding power of the Helsinki metropolitan area (attractiveness and quality of life) in the rankings is still quite good, but global competition is intensifying and therefore the rankings have fallen in some rankings. Ecosystems of new knowledge are valued in comparison (start-ups and attracting investments to them). Development is also polarising within Uusimaa, with growth focusing on accessible nodes and core areas. Regional differentiation within the province and cities with considerations in development.