Promoting growth and vitality in the municipalities of Western Uusimaa (Hanko, Inkoo, Raasepori and Siuntio)

In Western Uusimaa, the HIRS municipalities (Hanko, Inkoo, Raasepori and Siuntio) display significant potential for sustainable growth and to support the vitality, more generally, of the region. The opportunities afforded by and the location of these municipalities have not however been well utilised in the development of Uusimaa and, more broadly, Finland as a whole.

The survey was projected to facilitate the growth, development and placement of investments in Western Uusimaa’s HIRS municipalities. In addition, a new type of goal-oriented cooperation model and joint development were created between the municipalities participating in the survey. With the help of a condensed model, interest monitoring were enhanced, a platform created for joint regional development projects and the ability to attract foreign investment improved through the creation of broader entities capable of delivering improved results. In the context of the survey project the goals of the municipalities with a view to joint development were clarified and an approved organisational and operating model is created for a joint development company or other form of joint activity.​

The goal of the report was to combine the vision of the four municipalities in order to form a common strategy for and common position on the future form of cooperation. This was implemented through extensive cooperation between actors, companies, decision-makers and officials in the region. The municipalities of the region need close cooperation in order to strengthen the region’s growth, attractiveness and vitality. Joint action provides better opportunities for effective advocacy, increasing the region’s competitiveness and supporting the growth goals of Uusimaa as a whole. Systematic cooperation and a coherent regional strategy support the area’s attraction, retention and charm and attract new companies and investments to the area. A joint strategy based on the advocacy of the region’s municipalities and cities increases visibility and transparency around the decisions made, for example, on road investments. ​

The concrete measures contained in the report which are designed to achieve these goals were as follows:​
– Development of a common vision and strategy for the region
– Involvement of the region’s municipalities in new, joint vitality and regional development activities
– Preparation of the basic principles of a regional development company or other common operating model

The work was undertaken together with Priole.