Strategies and programmes

Strategic and programme work clarifies direction, highlights key development priorities, and supports determined steps towards future goals – whether the aim is vitality, wellbeing, growth, or smart adaptation. 

An effective strategy or programme is more than just words – it drives action and delivers results. It brings people together around shared objectives and serves as a foundation for decision-making, resource allocation and financial planning. 

Over the years, municipalities, cities, regions, wellbeing services counties, ministries, development companies and associations have entrusted us to be their development partner. We’ve helped clarify direction where the future is shaped – locally, regionally and nationally. We have contributed to programmes in areas such as business and industry, employment, vitality, migration, mobility, climate and culture. 

 The best strategies and programmes don’t gather dust on a shelf – they become topics of conversation and part of everyday operations. 

In our view, a good strategy or programme: 

• Helps municipal actors focus their efforts on the most relevant priorities 
• Is actionable – not a separate document, but a practical guide for everyday work 
• Contains clear goals and objectives, as well as indicators and monitoring tools – so we know where we stand 

Strategies and programmes work best when they form a clear and coherent whole that reinforces itself and guides implementation. 

We invite everyone impacted by the work to take part. We invest in an approach that fosters engagement and enthusiasm. 

• Our workshops bring together key individuals relevant to the topic and provide space for their perspectives. 
• Focus group discussions allow for deeper exploration, and if required, we facilitate joint interpretation and shared goals. 
• If input is required from a larger group, we use advanced survey tools – some of which have gathered responses from tens of thousands of people. 
• We conduct network analysis to understand network dynamics and identify new partners. 

We are the kind of partner who dares to speak frankly. We encourage those involved in strategy-making to choose and prioritise – to make truly meaningful decisions. Our strategy and programme texts are compelling and engaging. As a development partner, we are present throughout the process of translating words into action. 

Any compelling and effective strategy or programme must be grounded in a strong evidence base while additionally offering robust monitoring tools. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data helps to clarify the current situation, set goals, and select appropriate measures. 

To strengthen the knowledge base, it is essential to: 

• Ensure that there is a diversity of sources – Draw from up-to-date information, past evaluations, and diverse stakeholder perspectives. 
• Use data continuously – Make effective use of information throughout the process, from baseline assessments to setting targets and indicators. 
• Select meaningful indicators – Choose indicators that genuinely reflect progress and enable systematic monitoring. 
• Commit to continuous monitoring and responsiveness – Regularly review progress and ensure the strategy evolves with a changing world. 

MDI supports the development of knowledge bases, indicator frameworks, and monitoring systems for strategies and programmes. For example, the Kuntakortti (municipal card) is an excellent tool for municipalities and cities to both monitor and follow up on their strategies and programmes.