The Mikkeli strategy sparring

The Mikkeli strategy sparring process provided expert and facilitation support for preparing the city’s new strategy. The work was driven by the need to sharpen the strategic focus: to identify the key strategic themes for the upcoming period, to streamline a strategy framework perceived as overly broad, and to assess development platforms and the financial impacts of proposed measures. At the same time, the process strengthened the participation of the City Council, personnel, and key stakeholders, and explores how different actors can be concretely involved in implementing the strategy.

The work proceeded in stages. First, an up-to-date situational picture was developed through a current-state and operating environment analysis (including a SWOT), which was deepened through key informant interviews and  focus group discussions with different population groups. Based on the findings, a Futures Day (20 January) was organised, bringing together decision-makers, partners, stakeholders, and staff representatives for a joint discussion on the city’s direction and key initiatives.

From January to March, the strategy content was challenged and made more concrete through three workshops with the City Council. The Council’s work was complemented by three participatory workshops to gather input to the strategy and prepare thematic content, while also developing a network-based operating model for urban development to support the strategy. Reporting took place in two phases: first a synthesis of the current-state and operating environment analysis, and finally a concise, visual strategy document and a description of the network-based operating model, with the aim of completion by the end of March 2026.