POKAT2021 Regional Strategic Programme – success stories and good practices Contents

INTRODUCTION...... 3

1 VITALITY FROM REGIONAL NETWORKING – A COMPETITIVE AND ATTRACTIVE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT...... 4 1.1 Accessibility, the transport system, and connections...... 4 1.2 National and international networks...... 8 1.3 Utilising the advantages provided by the region’s proximity to Russia...... 9

2 GROWTH FROM RENEWAL – A DIVERSE, SUSTAINABLE AND JOB-FRIENDLY ECONOMIC STRUCTURE...... 11 2.1 Forest bioeconomy...... 11 2.2 Technology industry...... 12 2.3 Stone processing and mining...... 13 POKAT2021 Regional Strategic Programme 2.4 Tourism...... 14 – success stories and good 2.5 Food...... 15 2.6 Smart specialisation...... 16

3 WELL-BEING FROM PARTNERSHIPS – COMFORTABLE LIVING...... 17 Regiona Council of North Karelia Pielisjoen linna, Siltakatu 2 3.1 Education and competence...... 17 FI-80100 JOENSUU 3.2 Well-being and inclusion...... 18 3.3 Culture and identity...... 21 Tel. +358 13 337 4700 3.4 Creative fields...... 22 [email protected] www.pohjois-karjala.fi/english 4 OVERARCHING THEMES OF THE POKAT REGIONAL STRATEGIC PROGRAMME...... 23 4.1 Security...... 23 Layout Laura Jussila INTRODUCTION

For the past few years, the Action Plan for the North Karelia Regional Strategic Programme POKAT2021 has included a selection of good practises of its implementation. This has been very well received very and therefore a separate publication of the best practises was to be prepared.

The good practices in this publication were chosen by the working groups of each focus ar- eas of the Regional Strategic Programme POKAT2021. These working groups consist of to- tal of 244 experts from various fields. The groups were free to choose the good practices that each wished to highlight, so that the diversity of the paths involved in the implemen- tation of the Regional Strategic Programme would be visible. The following good practices represent individual projects, events, business development measures as well as more long- term development paths. These good practices have been divided accordingly with the fo- cus areas of the POKAT2021 Regional Strategic Programme.

The texts do not present a comprehensive overview of every single good action implement- ing the Regional Strategic Programme, but rather a snapshot that will be updated annually. This snapshot will be utilised in communication and lobbying, and it will also provide a vital contribution to the monitoring activities of the Regional Strategic Programme.

Joensuu, Finland, 10 October 2019

Pia Pitkänen Regional Development Expert Regional Council of North Karelia

Photo: Jarno Artika

3 1 VITALITY FROM REGIONAL NETWORKING – A COMPETITIVE AND ATTRACTIVE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

1.1. Accessibility, the transport system, and connections

Salpakankaankatu interchange, Joensuu

Text: Jyrki Suorsa, Traffic and Transport Expert, Regional Council of North Karelia Photo : Jarno Artika

The preparation work for the Salpakankaankatu interchange in Joensuu was initiated in March 2017, and the work started in the beginning of April 2017. The project was completed in November 2018.

Main road 6 is a significant road that crosses the length of Finland from Kajaani to Lappeenranta, and it is part of the international TEN-T network of roads and main roads. The purpose of the interchange was to improve the transport flow and safety of the Raatekangas interchange on main road 6 and to decrease the amount of traffic that crossed the main road as well as any related accidents. In addition, the main streets in the area were improved to correspond to the predicted increase in traffic density. As a result of the project, the flow and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic were improved in connection with the main road as well as with- in the street network.

The Transport System Group of North Karelia (Pokat transport group) helped promote the implementation of the project. In the letter of intent for the implementation and promotion of the development measures used for the transport system of North Karelia for 2012–2015, the project was highlighted as a vital road pro- ject for the entire region, and the project has been considered as one of the top annual spearhead projects in the North Karelia region. This project was a good example of how long-term lobbying efforts and a commit- ment to the promotion of the implementation of jointly agreed projects is the best way to achieve results.

4 Fast broadband connections to Ilomantsi – the construction of the Ilonet network was a carefully planned process, right down to its financing

Text: Markku Lappalainen, CEO, Ilonet Oy Photos: Esa Huurreoksa

Ilomantsi is one of the least densely populated areas in Finland (2018: 4,973 inhabitants, 1.8 inhabitants per km2), which does not make it an attractive area for market-based servic- es. In 2012, the Municipality of Ilomantsi initiated a project for the construction of a broad- band network that would span every part of the entire municipality that was inhabited by people according to the domicile register.

The municipal council approved a plan for the construction of a fibre network in the munic- ipal region of Ilomantsi on 12 November 2012. The plan served as the basis for a propos- al to establish a business entity as well as a preliminary route map. The starting point was that, irrespective of where one lived, a connection would be provided at the same price to all those who participated in the initial campaign.

The campaign price of a subscription was set at 100 euros per subscription with a month- ly fee of 45 euros. To use the internet and watch TV, subscribers would need to purchase a terminal device and TV box for a combined price of 300 euros during the campaign. After the financing, loan negotiation and tendering processes were completed, the construction of the network was initiated in spring 2013. The first connection was opened in the gener- al store of Haukivaara in spring 2014.

The hundred-megabit project helped kick-start the process The preparatory phase of the project utilised the Hundred-megabit Eastern and North- ern Finland project, which was implemented in part by the Association for Rural Culture and Education, as well as the Broadband to North Karelia project, which arranged commu- nity outreach events for municipal residents and surveyed prospective broadband users. The Hundred-megabit Eastern and Northern Finland project was managed by the Region- al Council of North Karelia (2011–2015) and implemented in regions of Lapland, Kainuu, North Karelia and North Ostrobothnia. The project was financed by the European Agricul- tural Fund for Rural Development.

Local construction expertise Oy Cap-Net Finland Ab/ Ari Hakulinen was chosen as the project’s expert partner. Johan- na Räty Oy/ Johanna Räty was selected as the coordinator of the project. In addition, Tais-

5 to Volotinen worked as a part-time “optical fibre expert”, and his task was to draft the ca- A steady platform for future growth ble placement agreements with land owners and serve as a subscription salesman. The Ilonet Oy’s financials have been built on a solid foundation. This has been achieved with a route plan was created by Keypro Oy. Viestra Oy was selected as the project’s excavation well-planned and executed fibre installation process that was done for a smaller cost than and optical fibre placement operator. JPM Cyber Service Oy was chosen as the operator to what was projected, the Municipality of Ilomantsi’s significant reserve for invested non-re- extend and finalise the land cables and provide the necessary installation work for all sub- stricted equity and municipal shares, the support of the Finnish Communications Regulatory scriber devices. Both agreements spanned the entire duration of the construction project, Authority, the aid provided for the village networks, and the small overheads of the service. i.e. to the end of 2016. The company was required to take on a debt that, when we take the project’s bridge loans The chosen operator for the service was Telekarelia, but when Elisa ja Telekarelia merged at into account, amounted to over 5 million euros between 2015–2017. Currently, the share the end of 2014, Elisa became the operator. However, during the following year, the project of outside capital amounts to only around 1.8 million euros. The company’s financing bank switched its operational services to Kaisanet Oy. At the beginning of November 2018, Ilonet is Vaara-Karjalan Osuuspankki, which during the project’s construction phase operated un- Oy signed an operator and maintenance service agreement with Netplaza Oy. der the name of Ilomantsin Osuuspankki.

Setting up funding The municipality’s financial and moral support are still needed In accordance with the Act on Broadband Construction Aid in Sparsely Populated Areas When it has been involved in the implementation of any significant projects, the Municipal- (1186/2009), Ilonet Oy applied for public aid for the design and construction of a commu- ity of Ilomantsi has usually taken upon itself to ensure their success. The municipality’s sig- nication network for the Municipality of Ilomantsi that would be suitable for broadband ser- nificant financial contribution (over 3.5 M €) as well as its well-functioning board of direc- vices. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority confirmed that the expenses that tors that included representatives from various political parties played a significant role in were eligible for the aid totalled 5,839,521 euros. Based on this figure, the Authority pro- the success of the project. Hilkka Hiltunen, who served as a chair of the municipal board, vided Ilonet Oy’s broadband project with a total of 3,386,922 euros in state-funded broad- was appointed as a chair of the company’s board, and Provincial Counsellor Markku Lappa- band construction aid. lainen, who served as a municipal manager, was selected as a company’s CEO. The three other members of the board are Heidi Hassinen, Kari Turunen and Juha Piitulainen, all key The Municipality of Ilomantsi applied for regional development funding from the Regional actors in the municipality. Council of North Karelia for the construction of the village networks. The village network construction aid totalled 360,000 euros, in addition to the 360,000 euros granted by the The fast connections provided by the broadband network have received praise from both Municipality of Ilomantsi. This aid was used to construct the village network areas in Hattu- municipal citizens and companies as well as farmers, who are now required to submit the vaara, Pihlajavaara, Möhkö, Pötönvaara and Kurenkangas, comprising 38,776 metres in to- information concerning their estates and crops with digital forms to be eligible for the dif- tal. The second village network project was implemented in the northern parts of the mu- ferent subsidies available to agricultural operators. Even larger corporations, such as En- nicipality, and the project received 460,000 euros in aid from the European Agricultural domines Oy, a major mining operator, and Vapo Oy, which is constructing a carbon fibre Fund for Rural Development. plant, have stressed the importance of being able to utilise secure internet connections in their operations. Total cost: less than 10 million euros The total cost of constructing the network was around 9.6 million euros (VAT 0%). The pro- ject’s total cost was reduced by the fact that part of the village network was constructed as a separate project under the Municipality of Ilomantsi, and not all passive connections were provided up to every target area but left in distribution wells. The network features 853 km of trunk cabling and 387 km of subscriber cabling, i.e. 1,240 km of cabling in total. There is great potential for subscription sales in terraced houses and blocks of flats, as these loca- tions have had their internal networks renovated. All in all, around 1,360 households are subscribed to the network.

6 Strengthening the Kevätniemi industrial area; the bioterminal, infrastructure and overall planning process

Text: Maarit Siitonen, Regional Development Manager, Regional Council of North Karelia Photo: Mikko Tirkkonen, MAT Future Vision | avtuotanto.fi

Our project in the Kevätniemi industrial area in Lieksa focused on the construction of a functional bioterminal field. The objective behind the construction of the bioterminal was to secure the pre- requisites for effective raw material-related logistics and processing activities, which in turn would create a platform for profitable bioeconomic activities. In the future, the industrial area could also host other types of businesses, such as companies that focus on the further processing of wood or on equipment maintenance and repairs.

The project has had a significant leverage effect on private industrial investments:

• Green Fuel Nordic Lieksa Oy has decided to construct a bio-oil refinery in the industrial area, which will utilise sawmill side flows and bio shoots as its raw material. The bio-oil refinery’s pro- duction capacity is 24,000 tonnes of bio-oil per year. The annual amount of raw material used is around 90,000 k-m3 of wood. GFN Lieksa Oy’s objective is to increase its production capac- ity every two years so that by 2025 it will have achieved an annual production rate of around 100,000 tonnes. The company plans to increase its production capacity by investing in modularly similar production units that will be constructed side-by-side in the Kevätniemi industrial area. • Karjalan Metsä ja Energia will expand its activities to the Kevätniemi industrial area and serve as a supplier of raw materials and energy wood to the bio-oil refinery. • Binderholz Nordic Oy’s sawmill and wood processing unit is in the immediate vicinity of the industrial area, and the company plans to invest in increasing the production capacity of the unit soon.

The project could not have been realised without the 1 million euros in aid that was provided to the City of Lieksa by the European Regional Development Fund. The aid was critical for the suc- cessful execution of the project and for the attraction of business investments. The implementa- tion of the projects ensured that the bio-oil refinery could be established in the area and that the related productional investments could find a home in Lieksa.

The investments that have already been confirmed will have an employment effect that, along with the associated multiplier effects, will amount to 100–150 person-years. The impacts of planned fu- ture investments will result in several hundreds of new jobs. The City of Lieksa, which is located in North Karelia, is home to around 11,000 inhabitants. The city has around 100 kilometres of com- mon border with Russia. The creation of a bioeconomy ecosystem in the City of Lieksa would not have been possible without the bioterminal that was constructed with the help of the European Regional Development Fund.

7 1.2 National and international networks

Immigrant services provide expertise and boost the labour pool

Text: Liisa Timonen, Head of International Affairs, Karelia University of Applied Sciences

In the coming years, the companies that operate in the North Karelia region will be in dire need of experienced la- bour, and many fields are already starved for employees. At the same time, the population of Finland is set to decline rapidly, and the region’s own pool of potential higher education candidates will not be able to meet the rising de- mand – the availability and sufficiency of the region’s labour force are key issues that demand answers. We need ex- perienced hands from outside our borders; we must be able to attract and integrate those international higher edu- cation students and job seekers who represent the types of potential experts who will be able to secure the future growth of our region.

Since 2016, Karelia University of Applied Sciences has served as a Ministry of Education and Culture-appointed higher education institution responsible for supporting immigrants in integration. As part of this work, we have developed the guidance and training services available to higher education-eligible immigrants, as the need for these services has been evident. In fact, the demand has far exceeded our expectations. Immigration-related work is also strongly linked to the support and development of education-related immigration – in fact, these cannot and should not be seen as separate entities. Currently, we are forming a team where the people behind the development of these services will be able to work together, and we intend to assess and promote these development activities as a unified whole.

In addition to the development of student counselling and training services, we have developed our immigration-ori- ented work with the help of systematic research and development activities. For example, we are currently implement- ing projects that feature several different partner consortia. These projects focus on such areas as preparatory train- ing and Finnish-as-a-second-language teaching, the creation of individual continuous learning paths for immigrants with degrees, supporting the integration of international students with the companies in the region, the develop- ment of a mobile application that provides information on available services and employment opportunities, and on the expansion of immigration work-related expertise and the establishment of practices in the form of cross-provin- cial collaboration. Each project will be able to contribute to the development of key tools and methods. Some exam- ples of these include a semester-length preparatory training module, a mobile-friendly immigrant guidance interface that provides information on educational and employment opportunities, a flexible study path consisting of modules worth 5–15 study points that have been designed especially with business and technology experts in mind, as well as various work methods for business collaboration and the integration of international experts to our region. And new development plans are underway in several collaboration networks – for example, the Finnish-as-a-second-language project still requires a great deal of development work.

Our immigration-related work is a key part of the region’s international aspirations. Our objective is to provide an edu- cational suite that will be able to meet and predict the expertise-oriented needs of the North Karelia region to help se- Photo Pixabay cure the availability of competent labour for the companies in the region and thus support the region’s overall vitality.

8 1.3 Utilising the advantages provided by the region’s proximity to Russia

Parents as support in bilingual schoolwork

Text: Sanna Iskanius,Director of Education, Centre for Training and Development Aducate, University of Eastern Finland Photo: Minna Laurell

Between 2018 and 2019, the Joensuu unit of the Finnish-Russian School of Eastern Finland implemented a collaborative project with Petrozavodsk School No. 3, where pupils study Finnish. The project, which was funded by the Cultura Founda- tion and managed by the parents’ association, provided great and unique experiences. One of the project’s most memo- rable moments was a study trip to Petrozavodsk School No. 3. The trip included 14 pupils from the first, second and third grades as well as their guardians. Several of the participants had never visited Russia before the trip.

During the trip, the children and their parents were provided with the opportunity to participate in the classes held for the local children as well as in their everyday activities and hobbies. For many of the participating children, it was a chance to see a completely different school environment, local culture and way of life than what they were used to back home. “I’ve learned a lot, for example different words and new games… speaking Russian is way easier when you can speak it to a Russian person,” notes 8-year-old Ilmari.

Getting to know the school, its pupils and their parents was an unforgettable experience and provided practical experi- ences that can be utilised in the study of the Russian language and Russian culture, which are part of the advanced cur- riculum of the Finnish-Russian School of Eastern Finland right from the pre-primary education stage. “In addition to bol- stering the children’s language skills, these types of activities can also help encourage them to interact with people from other cultures,” explains one of the parents involved in the project.

The study trip also resulted in the initiation of friendship family activities, and soon a group of Russian families and teach- ers from Petrozavodsk visited Joensuu and the Finnish-Russian School of Eastern Finland. The families and teachers were housed in the homes of the families who participated in the project, and many of the friendships that were formed dur- ing the trip are still going strong. The visitors also participated in the school’s classes. The highlight of the trip was a Finn- ish-Russian celebration that included over 100 pupils as well as their families. The evening festivities, which included ca- tering and entertainment, were arranged by volunteers together with the parents who participated in the project.

The project also included workshops where pupils from grades 1–3 of the Finnish-Russian School of Eastern Finland and their parents created handicrafts to a specific theme, and this was also done by the pupils from Petrozavodsk School No. 3 and their parents at their own school. The results of the projects were presented at the schools as well as in a Face- book group.

The friendship family activities continue to this day with mutual visits by the participating families, and new families who come to the school are also invited to participate in these activities. There have also been plans to arrange a meeting of the Finnish and Russian families in the town of Sortavala sometime in 2019. 9 Russian investments in the region gym installation and maintenance services as well as product development and certifica- tion processes in Finland. With the help of this subsidiary company in Joensuu, MB Barbell’s Text: Stepan Tirkkonen, Project Manager, Business Joensuu Oy highly developed outdoor exercise equipment have now been granted EU certification as Photo: MB Barbell proof that they meet the EU’s strict safety standards.

MB Barbell, a sports equipment manufacturer from Petrozavodsk, is aiming for the EU mar- Dmitry Bubnov, director of MB Barbell Sport Oy, says that the company has proceeded in ket via Joensuu. The company has been supported by the activities of Josek, the region- Finland without any rush. At the same time as the company was being founded in Joensuu al development company of Joensuu – now known as Business Joensuu – and the City of and the construction of its first gym in Finland was being initiated in the summer of 2017 in Joensuu, who have made great strides in attracting foreign investors and companies to Mehtimäki sports park in Joensuu, the company had also finished the construction of sev- the region. These efforts have also been assisted by a project funded from the Karelia ENI eral gyms in both Poland and Germany. However, the Joensuu unit has proven to be the CBC programme. company’s fastest-growing operating unit, and the company has decided to invest in the ex- pansion of its offices and headcount in Joensuu and locate a production line in Joensuu as MB Barbell is a Russian company that has operated in the sports equipment sector for over well. The reasons for selecting Joensuu as its investment target include not only the prox- 30 years, and it currently has supplier networks all around Europe. The company’s outdoor imity of the Russian border but also the good mutual understanding that has been fostered exercise equipment can be found in 15 different countries, including Finland. MB Barbell between the company and the region’s authorities, as well as the Joensuu’s twin city rela- manufactures outdoor exercise equipment that have been designed for year-round use and tionship with Petrozavodsk. Another clear benefit for Joensuu is that its business develop- require no regular maintenance. Their outdoor exercise equipment are equipped with illus- ment companies, such as Business Joensuu Oy, have helped entrepreneurs find their way to trated signboards that also feature QR codes that provide links to instructional videos and new markets and form relationships with reliable partners. In addition, the EU’s Cross-Bor- training programmes that have been developed by professional athletes. After many years of der Cooperation programmes (ENI CBC) have helped implement wide-ranging, cross-bor- research, development and testing, the company has created a suite of exercise equipment der collaborative projects. that can withstand all types of weather conditions, constant wear and tear, and even acts of vandalism. The company has been awarded several patents, and not only for the design “The business infrastructure of the City of Joensuu has become a good basis for the devel- of their exercise equipment but also their weight changing system and kinematic diagrams. opment of our company.” With the support provided by Josek Oy and now Business Joen- suu, we have been able to connect with several sports companies in Europe and achieve an MB Barbell has been growing at a rapid pace and it is currently one of the largest employ- operational level where locating our production in Finland, and especially in Joensuu, will ers and manufacturers in the Republic of Karelia. In 2014, the company founded MB Barbell be worthwhile. Having reliable partners is vital for ensuring the success of your business,” Sport Oy in Joensuu, Finland, which is responsible for the company’s marketing activities, notes Vadim Markelov, founder and director of MB Barbell.

10 2 GROWTH FROM RENEWAL – A DIVERSE, SUSTAINABLE AND JOB-FRIENDLY ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

UEF’s School of Forest Sciences serves as the coordinator of the FORBIO project, the pur- 2.1 Forest bioeconomy pose of which is to secure the prerequisites for sustainable, climate-neutral and resource-ef- ficient forest bioeconomy. The actors in forest bioeconomy as well as key government min- Text: Pasi Pitkänen, Regional Planning Manager, Regional Council of North Karelia istries serve as the project’s interaction partners and as the beneficiaries of the knowledge generated by the project. Forest bioeconomy research and education in North Karelia The Young Leadership Programme, which has been jointly implemented by EFI, UEF and North Karelia is home to around 600 top forest bioeconomy experts who work primarily LUKE. In 2019, the YLP arranged an intensive course for young professionals in the field in the region’s educational and research organisations. This astounding success story has where the participants were introduced to the opportunities present in the Chinese and been no accident but the result of almost 40 years of tenacious work. It is also no accident Russian forest bioeconomies from a European perspective. that forest bioeconomy accounts for around a third (35%) of the region’s total turnover and around a tenth (10%) of the region’s employed population. From an educational perspective, forest bioeconomy has had a strong networking effect The collaboration in research and education remains strong between the University of East- for the operators in the region as well as from an international perspective. Here are a few ern Finland (UEF), Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), European Forest Institute (EFI), good examples of these: Karelia University of Applied Sciences and Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). In addition, • The Wood Materials Science master’s degree programme that has been renewed to in- the educational and training organisation Riveria trains future experts in forest bioecono- crease the collaboration between the University of Eastern Finland and local universi- my for the practical needs of working life. The forest bioeconomy success story is continu- ties of applied sciences. The programme has been redesigned to include a comprehen- ally moving forward with the times. sive level of expertise in wood material use as well as in design and wood construction. • On the other hand, the Bioeconomy Specialisation Studies Eastern Finland programme Forest bioeconomy is being studied in increasingly versatile and multidisciplinary ways, and is a comprehensive study module that is implemented jointly by the University of East- these efforts do not focus on just raw materials but on acting as a source of innovation for ern Finland, Karelia University of Applied Sciences and Savonia University of Applied (new) immaterial products and services as well. A few examples of these: Sciences. The programme has been designed for corporations and their employees.

LUKE, UEF and Karelia UAS have collaborated for several years on bioenergy-related research The international Environment Online (ENO) network and the BioAcademy are excellent ex- with great success, especially in exporting this type of expertise to the world together with amples of new types of operating models that bring together forest bioeconomy-related the EU’s structural funds, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and Business Finland. expertise, knowledge and learning skills in international networks.

11

Photo: Teemu Tretjakov/Vastavalo 2.2 Technology industry

The metal industry boosts the entire region Educational organisations train future experts Several initiatives that will serve to strengthen North Karelia’s technological expertise in Text: Maarit Siitonen, Regional Development Manager, Regional Council of North Karelia the long term are up and running. The Karelia University of Applied Sciences has decided to Photo: Abloy Oyj initiate the English-language Industrial Management educational programme in 2020. The programme will focus on techno-economic expertise and it will feature deep links to work- In 2018, the region’s technology industry achieved a significant milestone. For the first time ing life as well as international marketing and business perspectives. The programme will ever, the region’s metal industry achieved an annual turnover of over one billion euros. In be implemented in very close collaboration with industrial companies to ensure that the 2018, the metal industry’s turnover was 1.06 billion, which is 100 million euros more than programme corresponds to the needs of working life. in the previous year. In the spring, John Deere, which manufactures forestry equipment in Joensuu, announced that it would make the biggest investment in its history for the devel- The North Karelia Municipal Education and Training Consortium Riveria has applied to the opment of its factory. This 15-million-euro investment in the factory’s assembly and test Ministry of Education and Culture on the arrangement of an English-language basic degree drive facilities is slated to be completed in 2021. programme in machinery and production engineering. The English-language training would be designed to meet the growing shortage of experts that the technology companies in North The success of the metal industry is the result of the collaboration between the region’s Karelia experience, as well as to bolster the operational prerequisites of the said companies. strong anchor companies and excellent subcontracting network. North Karelia has a great deal of tradition and experience in metal and workshop-related expertise. The companies The University of Eastern Finland and Karelia University of Applied Sciences are aiming to in the region have also invested in and developed their capacity for further growth and the tackle the challenges presented by the digital revolution and the shortage of applicants to expansion of their business activities. To assist the production-oriented companies in the re- ICT companies with a new SmartICT coder training programme that will be initiated in au- gion, the regional Digital Karelia project focuses especially on the implementation of busi- tumn 2019. This supplementary programme has been designed for experts in different ness digitalisation solutions as well as on their significance for the profitability and compet- fields and includes courses that focus on such areas as programming methods and data an- itiveness of these companies. alytics. The objective of the programme is to provide companies with a pool of multidisci- plinary and experienced digital experts who are able to solve the challenges that digitalisa- One delightful trend has been the increasing willingness of the region’s companies to high- tion poses for different fields. light their own expertise, and these efforts have resulted in national acclaim. Abloy was vot- ed as the most valued brand in Finland in 2018. In addition, Mia Mantsinen, CEO of the Mant- sinen Group, was selected as the family entrepreneur of the year in 2018.

12 2.3 Stone processing and mining

A success story in the stone processing and mining industry

Text: Maarit Siitonen, aluekehityspäällikkö, Pohjois-Karjalan maakuntaliitto Photo: Eija Hiltunen

The development of the mining industry is strongly dependent on economic circumstances ments in the region have resulted in the realisation of a nationally competitive and attrac- as well as the world market prices for metals and minerals. In addition, global megatrends tive learning environment. For example, the Opetuskaivos (Training Mine) project that was such as climate change and the revolution in energy production have become major driv- implemented by the North Karelia Municipal Education and Training Consortium was used ers of change in the field. The cyclical development of the sector has created increasing de- to create an operating model where part of the Pampalo mine in Ilomantsi was adapted mand for the dissemination of information and the formation of business networks and part- for training purposes, allowing students to immerse themselves in the technologies used in nerships. The stone processing and mining sector is also keenly aware of the importance the entire mining work chain in an authentic environment. This work resulted in notable im- of preventing and minimising any damage to the environment as well as the requirements provements in the occupational safety of the learning environments required by the train- concerning ethicality and social acceptability. ing process. A simulator training process was used to provide students with a good foun- dation for managing the machinery before they moved into an actual mining environment. North Karelia is the home of Pro Kaivos, a globally unique information service for the min- ing industry. The service provides up-to-date information on the mining industry, the com- Digitalisation and various simulation technologies will continue to play a more significant panies that operate in the field as well as on any open vacancies and educational opportu- role in the training and work that are done in the mining industry. The vocational training nities. The ProKaivos online service includes a register of mining industry companies as well provided to excavation and mining industry operators by Riveria is being renewed with the as a news section that contains the latest industry news in an easily accessible format. The help of a wide-ranging regional development and investment project. The objective is to online service also provides collaboration opportunities to operators from different fields. analyse student performance and learning results in even more detail with the help of dig- The ProKaivos.fi service is managed and maintained by Future Missions Oy in Joensuu, and ital educational technologies and pedagogical solutions. At the same time, the process will the company got its start in an ERDF-funded project in 2008. enable students from all fields to participate in personalised, simulator-based education- al paths. These methods will increase the readiness of the students to take on demanding The success of the region’s mining industry requires investments in the education of future work tasks, and they will also help to increase the financial performance and energy effi- experts to the sector and securing the availability of the region’s labour force. Over the years, ciency of excavation and mining work. the various types of targeted projects and comprehensive educational environment invest-

13 2.4 Tourism

The strategic renewal of the regional tourism industry Äksyt Ämmät and business network collaboration – the change process of Karelia Expert Äksyt Ämmät Oy is a tourism company that has operated in the City of Nurmes for over 20 years. The company has received numerous accolades – for example, it was selected as the Text: Pekka Huovinen, Development Manager, Regional Council of North Karelia top sustainable development-oriented company in Finland in 2017. The company participates Photo: Anne Hukkanen/Karelia Expert in various schemes, such as compensating the carbon footprint of its guests, and it has been awarded the Tourcert certificate for its long-term work in the field of responsible tourism. Between 2017 and 2018, the management of Karelia Expert prepared and implement- ed the company’s latest operating and financing model. The change process clarified the Äksyt Ämmät provides nature-oriented active holidays in collaboration with a local cluster company’s core mission, which now focuses on increasing a demand for regional tourism of businesses, and it conducts its activities in a manner that is as environmentally friendly (DMO operator). The process also aimed to enhance Karelia Expert’s role as a strategic re- as possible. For example, the different companies arrange joint cross-country skiing, kayak- presentative of the tourism destination it represents. ing and bicycle trips that run from inn to inn. This type of collaboration has helped the busi- nesses in the region create and renew the services that they have on offer, and it has also As part of the renewal process, the regional council divested its ownership. One key obje- helped to maintain the interest of different travel agencies. ctive still focuses on the development of a strong regional tourism destination, but in the new model, the municipalities in the region have been granted direct ownership of the In fact, Minna Murtonen, who serves as the head of the company, is constantly in contact with company. This will help deepen the role that each municipality plays in the development various travel agencies in Central Europe, and she regularly visits the local trade shows there of the region’s tourism sector. as well. As a result, 90% of the company’s current clientele consists of international tourists.

In the change process, the company’s production-related structure and operating models Äksyt Ämmät and its cluster of trusted businesses are a great example of how the entire were renewed and scaled to a more comprehensive and national level, for example with region of North Karelia can realise its aspirations for responsible tourism and internation- the sale of the company’s summer cottage rental services to Lomarengas Oy and the es- al business. tablishment of a partnership agreement on group/DMC sales with Villi Pohjola/Wild Nor- dic Oy. Simultaneously, the process also included negotiations with the companies on their willingness to participate in the strategic development of Karelia Expert and North Karelia as a tourism destination.

The change process and the company’s new operating model have been implement- ed successfully. Tourism is an industry that is experiencing strong global growth, and the megatrends concerning tourism will favour Finland now and in the future. We have now created a solid foundation for the sustainable growth of the tourism industry and paved the way towards it becoming a key field in the entire North Karelia region and a signifi- cant actor in the Finnish Lakeland. However, the measures and investments that will fol- low this process, as well as achieving a common vision, will be crucial for securing the fu- ture of the industry.

14 2.5 Food

The Opportunities for the Further Processing of Foodstuffs and Natural Products project

Text: Jukka Nykänen, Environmental Expert, Regional Council of North Karelia Photo: Jarno Artika/Karelia Expert

The project was based on the City of Kitee’s willingness to provide its support for the activities of food producers and the related food supply chains. The objective of the project was to develop and create new business opportuni- ties for the food industry in the region and to create a further processing cluster for natural products and foodstuffs in the North Karelia region. The City of Kitee also aimed to find new occupants for its Puhoshalli industrial centre, which at the time was only partially occupied, for example by establishing a cluster of food industry processors there.

The project was preceded by a preliminary assessment phase that was used to survey how interested the region’s operators were in further processing activities as well as their expertise-related shortcomings in product develop- ment and processing. On the basis of this process, the following points were identified as the key objectives of the project: identifying commercial attraction factors, defining the key points of marketing, creating technological as- sessment methods, securing the prerequisites of production, as well as surveying, testing and selecting the best partners for the project.

The project assessed the factors that affect commercial attractiveness and key marketing points by getting to know and networking with the region’s food producers. The project also included FoodWest Oy, which served as the food industry consultant in the identification process used to identify the key marketing points for the region. To support its technological assessment work, the steering group visited Moscow to see how AEF handled the cold processing of its foodstuffs and natural products as well as how TWIN’s impulse drying system worked. New technologies could be used to create new business and to improve the business opportunities and profitability of pre-existing business- es. After the project ended, both technology companies have been involved in further negotiations.

The project succeeded in its goals and paved the way for the development of new methods for the further pro- cessing of foodstuffs in the Kitee region and in North Karelia overall. The operators that were involved in the pro- ject were provided with support to help further refine their key marketing points as well as encouragement to in- crease the processing value of their products which they could then sell. The project helped lower the threshold of the businesses in the region to work together. Even though the project was not able to generate any new business- es or jobs, a few of the companies that were involved have indicated their willingness to move their production to Puhoshalli, and the industrial centre will soon be fitted with a common product development space for its compa- nies. The party responsible for the management of this regional innovation and experiments (AIKO) project was the City of Kitee. The project’s steering group was comprised of various actors who were involved in the natural product industry, trade activities, and research.

15 2.6 Smart specialisation

Text: Project Expert Kirsi Taskinen and Regional Development Manager Jarno Turunen, Regional Council of North Karelia Photo: Tuukka Pakarinen

In North Karelia the Strategy of Smart Specialisation is being implemented via the Smart Ecosystems in North Karelia project. In collaboration with Business Joensuu Oy, we have been able to promote our regional, national and international efforts. Our regional work has focused on such areas as the analysis of the current state of the region’s innovation ac- tivities. Surveying the available innovation platforms in North Karelia for the forest bioec- onomy and technology industry, arranging joint workshops, and interviewing the repre- sentatives of companies utilising innovation services have helped to form a comprehensive picture of the current state in the region and improve the operational prerequisites of the region’s innovation platforms.

At the national level, North Karelia’s photonics sector received a significant boost after it was granted flagship status by the Academy of Finland. Funding has been awarded to the Photonics Research and Innovation Flagship, which is coordinated by Tampere University and includes the University of Eastern Finland, Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

The region’s national partnerships are also supported by the Industrial Transition (ELMO) collaboration of East and North Finland, which provides insights into finding new funding opportunities. The ELMO collaboration has produced a joint Smart Specialisation Strategy for the regions of East and North Finland based on their common strengths. Implementa- tion of this strategy is currently underway.

The Smart Ecosystems project has also provided access to some key international networks. Active participation in the European Commission’s smart specialisation S3 platforms will help promote the expertise brand of North Karelia and make it more interesting cooper- ation partner at international level. North Karelia is committed in operating and influenc- ing the S3 platforms that focus on photonics, bioenergy, sustainable construction and the mining industry.

Another internationally significant collaboration partner is the European Network of Forest Regions, which is part of the ERIAFF network, which promotes innovation-oriented collabo- ration. The purpose of these national and international activities is to discover the best op- portunities for pilot actions and projects that benefit the region of North Karelia.

16 3 WELL-BEING FROM PARTNERSHIPS – COMFORTABLE LIVING

3.1 Education and competence

Education and competence Recruitment training for the plastic industry’s needs

Text: Suvi Spoof, Regional Marketer, Central Karelia Development Company KETI Ltd Text: Ulpu Järviluoto, Specialist in Public Employment Services, ELY Centre of North Karelia and Ulla Mauranen, Leading Expert, ELY Centre of North Karelia Central Karelia has had success in testing new operating models that help match workplac- es with prospective employees. At the beginning of 2015, the ESF-funded Osaava Keski-Kar- In the last couple of years, we have been able to successfully meet the recruitment needs jala (Skilled Central Karelia) project initiated its training factory master-apprentice model, of the plastic industry in the North Karelia region with the so-called RekryKoulutus (Recruit- and now the model has spread across North Karelia. The training factory concept has served ment Training) process, where labour market training is used to train new production em- as the project template in all the region’s business development companies (KETI, Business ployees, injection moulding setters and plastic product manufacturing technology experts. Joensuu, LieKe, Pikes). So far, we have managed to provide around 50 new employees to several different compa- nies. The training programmes received a great number of applications (over 600 in all), so In the training factory concept, the employees that an employer needs are trained in the there is evidently great interest in the field, but not enough skilled experts. workplace, at the employer’s own facilities. The apprentices are trained by workplace in- structors, i.e. masters, who can pass on their expertise to these new employees. The ap- Each training programme has been designed and tailored in collaboration with the instruc- prentices are provided with personal training plans, and their skills are bolstered with dif- tors and companies to meet the specific needs of each individual company. The implemen- ferent training events. The workplace instructors are provided with their own training that tation of the process emphasises on-the-job learning so that it can truly provide the type of emphasises different areas, such as their guidance skills. expertise that a company needs. The training programmes are short in duration (3–6 months) The model has received high praise from both apprentices and employers. Even the in- and, whenever possible, they acknowledge the trainee’s previous professional experience. structors from Riveria, which provides the training services related to the concept, feel that the model is the most efficient method for providing employment opportunities to unem- The company pays for 30% of the training and the ELY Centre of North Karelia pays the re- ployed job seekers. maining 70%, and the TE Office of North Karelia provides its support for the arrangements related to the training, such as its marketing, trainee search and selection process. A com- All in all, by the end of April 2019, 117 apprentices have been trained in North Karelia, and pany that is planning to recruit new employees only needs to contact the business and em- three quarters (87) of them have been employed by the company that hosted their appren- ployer services of the TE Office of North Karelia to initiate the planning of the training pro- ticeship. A total of 91 companies have participated in the training factory, and 108 work- cess. For more information, see te-palvelut.fi. place instructors have been trained as part of the model. The model is also suited for any changes in business ownership: an entrepreneur who wishes to give up their company can help train the new owner of the business in how it should be run. A total of 19 ownership change trainings have been arranged so far. 17

Photo: Pixabay 3.2 Well-being and inclusion The Sanaratas Association

Teksti: Riikka Linjama, Executive Director, Sanaratas ry The inclusion-oriented work of the City of Outokumpu The Sanaratas (Word Cog) association was born under the gentle care of the Author’s Associ- Text: Juha-Pekka Lätti, Development Manager, City of Outokumpu ation of North Karelia Ukri in 2005, became independent in 2010 and began its first ESF-fund- ed (European Social Fund) Miusta on...! (I Feel...!) project in 2016. After this, the association The City of Outokumpu is determined to utilise a diverse set of methods to promote the civ- initiated two more ESF-funded projects in 2017 and 2018: Teksti työksi (Text as Work) and ic inclusion and well-being of its citizens as well as the operational prerequisites of the third Tuottava teksti (Productive Text). During its first five-year period, the association created a sector in the region. These objectives have been included in the current group strategy of regular foundation for its literary art teaching activities and its basic-level literary art educa- Outokumpu as well as in its well-being plan, which are both used to guide the city’s activities. tion for children and adolescents. The association’s flagship effort was the overnight library literary art camp, where the children could spend the night in forts that they built between In 2015 and 2016, Outokumpu participated in the development pilot of the regional organ- the library shelves. During the next five-year period, the association expanded its services isational–municipal collaboration project JANE . This process served as the foundation for from the camps to regular literary art groups that were arranged in the different parts of OkuJane, the city’s own advisory council for organisational affairs, which was established the Joensuu region. At the same time, the association also developed the activities that it at the beginning of 2017. Since the start of the current council term, Outokumpu has also provided in senior citizen centres. In the association’s first projects, the senior citizens were featured an inclusion and community council that serves as a lobbying organisation that op- the audience of the literary creations made by the participating children and toddlers, but erates under the city board. The council includes representatives from the different institu- soon they became the creators of their own stories and poems. tions in the city, the youth council, the senior citizen council and the disability council, as well as OkuJane. The secretary and preparatory party of the inclusion and community council is With the help of the ESF, Sanaratas is implementing the EU’s employment policy, as the as- the city’s development manager (well-being coordinator, additional duty), who also serves sociation and its activities can play a vital role in these efforts. As the association has com- as a contact person for organisations and the secretary for OkuJane. pleted its projects, we have realised that we can provide a great deal of skills that are need- ed in working life today. We have noticed and trained adults in the many ways that one can The inclusion and community council actively develop the participation opportunities of the find employment in the field of writing. On the other hand, many jobs require increasingly citizens of Outokumpu as well as various operating methods that promote the collabora- better writing skills. We must always be able to communicate better, more concisely, more tion between the city, its organisation and civic society, the latest of which was the first in- efficiently. These types of skills are needed everywhere. clusion week arranged in Outokumpu in February 2019. It represented a new type of city event where third-sector organisations and the city could present their own activities and During its projects, Sanaratas has welcomed four new literary art teachers among its ranks. provide citizens with the opportunity to participate in the discussion while meeting other Nine participants have been employed during our projects, one participant began attending citizens as well as the city’s officials. The inclusion week was capped off with an Organisa- school, another participant wrote a book of poems, a third participant received a grant for tion Gala that was open to the public, where distinguished citizens of Outokumpu were pre- a new camera and a publishing deal for poem cards, and a fourth participant wrote a chick sented with awards for their association and organisation-related activities in 2018. lit manuscript that was submitted to a writing competition. Thirteen participants have had their texts published in magazines, and four of them were provided with a regular gig in as- The increasing value and significance of inclusion and participation as well as the vitally impor- sisting the editing of a local paper, and one trained as a plain-language translator. tant communal activities that are arranged by the associations and organisations in the city have been identified as crucial elements that can help secure the current state and future In the coming autumn, we will further diversify our work by training immigrant mothers in of Outokumpu; after all, well-being and vitality are created in active collaboration – with literary art-related work. We may also implement a project for special needs children and genuine appreciation and trust. adults, but that will depend on whether we will receive the funding for it.

18

Photo: Pixabay Ikaros – the everyday inclusion of elderly men

Text: Anne Pyykkönen, kehittämispäällikkö, Pohjois-Karjalan Sosiaaliturvayhdistys ry Photo: Katja Hämäläinen-Puhakka

The purpose of the North Karelian Society for Social Security’s Ikaros project is to pro- mote the everyday inclusion of elderly men with the help of outreach efforts. The pro- ject is especially focused on reaching those elderly men who would otherwise be beyond the reach of other activities or services. These outreach efforts have been implemented where elderly men can be found in petrol station bars, supermarket lobbies and health centre hallways. The project’s workers can also visit to the homes of these elderly men, if they so wish. The main point behind the Ikaros project is to provide low-threshold ser- vices that respect the wishes of these men.

The project’s services include various types of group activities, individual work (e.g. home visits, conversational therapy, guidance and advice, errand runs), outreach efforts in the project’s operating areas, and collaboration with different actors. During the last two years, the Ikaros project has been able to reach 198 lonely elderly men!

According to the elderly men who are involved in the project, the project’s services have helped lift their spirits and alleviate their loneliness, and the project has also provided them with a sense of routine and something to look forward to. The participants also praised the project for helping them meet new people and allowing them to participate in various outings and trips. The Ikaros project has also helped involve those who would not normally be able to do so: for example, if a participant is unable to arrive at a meet- ing by himself, the project’s staff can even pick him up by car. The project is being imple- mented in the Rantakylä, Eno and Kiihtelysvaara regions of Joensuu between 2017 and 2019. The project is funded by the health promotion appropriation provided by the Min- istry of Social Affairs and Health.

19 How the Evangelical Folk High School of Kitee developed which leaves many people without the help and security that they need. In the future, car- its family care for the elderly egivers, close relatives and even the elderly themselves will be able to purchase the family care services that they need, either directly to their home or at a family care facility. In ad- dition, the so-called hybrid models are also a good fit for family care services. For example, Text: Sanna Kosonen, PerhEke Project Coordinator, Evangelical Folk High School of Kitee a person who owns a berry farm can generate additional income even after the season is Photo: Arja Koponen over by working as a family care provider.

The development of the family care services model for the elderly was initiated in the Evan- The expertise and profile of family care providers will be developed so that they can sup- gelical Folk High School of Kitee in 2009 The Folk High School trained its family care for the port the future needs of our society when it comes to caring for the elderly. A family care elderly instructor in the first training session arranged by the Family Care Association. We provider with a proven profile wanted to design a training package that suited our requirements and served the needs of will be better equipped to market their family care services. The PerhEke project will de- the region we operate in, as it features long distances and sparsely populated areas. Very velop an entrepreneurial training programme that will be tailored to family care entrepre- soon, after the versatile benefits of the family care model had become apparent to us, the neurs, so that future family care providers will be able to further diversify their occupational Folk High School decided to provide additional resources to the family care instructor/plan- activities. This product will also be developed with the help of project funding. The projects ner to promote the development of the family care process. Once we hit the limit of what have received funding from the European Social Fund. we could achieve with our own resources, it was suggested that we apply for project fund- ing to promote the family care model as both an occupation and form of care and way of The development work behind the family care model is based on determined, long-term ef- living in our region. forts and a belief in the functionality of this model. The work has been made easier by the numerous success stories we have heard of people who have been able to find a new source The funding that we received had a tremendous impact on the development of our fami- of employment or of the active elderly persons who suffer from dementia but have finally ly care model for the elderly. With the help of our project funding, we were able to intro- been able to find a home that provides them with the security and activities that they need. duce our family care model to every municipality in North Karelia, which provided a signifi- Another source of inspiration has been the improvements to the well-being of caregivers cant boost to our popularity! The first project funding also had a big impact on the initiation who can finally take some time off without having to worry. In addition, as the number of and development of our region’s family care system. The funding allowed us to develop elderly people increases, we will need every solution that can be used to provide less-inten- our family care model into a realistic occupational model and improve the status of fami- sive care services. And we still need a great deal of new service solutions as well. This will ly care providers. be the best way to ensure that the elderly are provided with the comfort and quality of life that they deserve, and it will also be a good opportunity for creating new employment op- During the Perhot project, around 50% of the people who participated in our family care for portunities in very sparsely populated areas. the elderly training programme found employment in the field. These family care providers were provided with a diverse selection of tasks: long-term care, short-term care, partial-day duties and as travelling family care providers. Our region is now home to over 30 family care homes that also employ entire families, sometimes even three generations under the same roof. The family care services in North Karelia provide a home or necessary security to those who still live at home to around 140 elderly people every month.

The objective of our current PerhEke project is to create new kinds of occupational models and combinations that can serve the needs of even the most challenging areas. For exam- ple, we are developing the quality and supervision criteria of family care entrepreneurs so that a family care provider can operate as an entrepreneur, and the elderly person or their close relatives can purchase the necessary family care services directly from the family care provider. Currently, the provision of services to the elderly are subject to very strict criteria,

20 3.3 Culture and identity

Events as a source of strength for the region

Text: Katja Riikonen, Regional Development Manager, Regional Council of North Karelia Photo: Jarno Artika

For a long while now, North Karelia has been marketed as a region for national and interna- gion’s creative fields. The Joensuu Rock Academy project, which was run by Joensuun Pop- tional events. The region is host to all types of events, from small local gatherings that have muusikot ry, was closely linked to the well-being industry. The purpose of the project was to been set up by groups of active hobbyists to professionally arranged music festivals. The provide young people with internships, working life skills and on-the-job experience oppor- region has received a great deal of exposure and attention for its music and sports events. tunities in the music industry and to allow people to participate in the activities and events of the companies in the music industry. The latest example of a project that has been cre- Volunteer work has always played a key role in the organisation of events, but know-how ated for the advancement of the event industry is the City of Joensuu’s Vitality from Events gained through experience, increase in collaboration between different operators, and project, the goal of which is to increase the collaboration between business life and events, changes in legislation have increased the expertise of event arrangers and moved the sec- and arrange lectures, workshops and training events. In addition, the Karelia University of tor in a more professional direction. Major events have had a particularly significant effect Applied Sciences is preparing to initiate its Event Managers programme to train regional ac- on increasing the level of knowledge required for the organisation of events, and they have tors for the different facets of event organisation. also helped to develop the networks of the operators working in the field. In addition, the region’s business development companies and educational institutions have played a vital Over the decades, the region has developed into a veritable music region that is host to doz- role in such areas as commercialisation, the training of future experts and sales-related ex- ens of music events of different sizes. The development of various music events has creat- pertise, which have helped to promote the professionalization and internationalisation of ed new jobs in the region as well as business opportunities for other fields as well. In ad- event management. The region’s educational institutions provide training in music, the dif- dition to music events, the region’s multiple sports events, film festivals and movie events ferent areas of event organisation, sound production and performance technology. have helped provide their own contribution to the event organisation field, and they are also well-connected to the other events in the region. These different-sized events have Various projects have been utilised to promote the expertise related to the event arrange- been recognised as a significant contributor to the region’s economy, as they help create ment industry: The LUMO2 project, which was run by the development company Josek Oy demand for accommodation, restaurant and tourism services, which bring in millions of eu- until 2016, helped enhance the networks, expertise and business opportunities of the re- ros to the region.

21 3.4 Creative fields

Spreading North Karelian special expertise to the world

Text: Katja Riikonen, Regional Development Manager, Regional Council of North Karelia Photo: Ikko Alaska

Katriina Nuutinen is a domestically and internationally renowned designer from Joen- suu who has designed products from all kinds of materials, such as glass, wood, cork and textiles. Nuutinen is especially known for her glass products, ceramics and lamp designs. Nuutinen combines different materials in creative ways and utilises a great number of North Karelian materials, such as soapstone, in her products.

Nuutinen graduated from the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture in 2011, and in the same year she was chosen as the promising young designer of the year at the MUOTO2011 gala in Helsinki.

Nuutinen has won several prestigious awards both in Finland and abroad, and she is currently one of the leading designers of her generation in Finland. Nuutinen’s break- through product, the Hely Jewel Lamp, was selected as the most beautiful object at the 2009 Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair. Nuutinen’s Candeo bright light was the first pendant bright light device on the market. The toggle switch on top of the Can- deo lamp transforms it from a bright light to a design lamp that provides warm, at- mospheric light. The lamp was selected as the best lamp of 2013 by the Finnish interi- or design magazine Divaani, and it also received an honourable mention at the Fennia Prize 14 awards in 2014.

Nuutinen currently serves as a lecturer at the Helsinki Design School, and she also owns a design company that operates in Woutila, a creative space in Joensuu. Nuutinen has also worked for the Swedish furniture and small goods company Klong and the French furniture company Ligne Roset. Next year, Katriina Nuutinen and her sister Anna-Riik- ka will launch the first part of a joint furniture collection that they have designed for a Finnish furniture company. Katriina is currently working on a unique set of lamp-re- lated artwork on a three-year grant.

22 4 OVERARCHING THEMES OF THE POKAT REGIONAL STRATEGIC PROGRAMME

4.1 Security

Security to the countryside – rescue units as part of village life

Text: Tero Kuittinen, Head of Training, North Karelia Rescue Services Photo: Rauno Jussila

The Security to the Countryside project, which was funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, achieved its objectives with the establishment of 54 rescue units in an area included within its scope the entire North Karelia region. The headcount of the units stood at 500 members as the activities were expanded to the Heinävesi region. The activities of the rescue units feature intra-regional differences, as each area in the region has its own requirements and are- as of strength. The role that local fire stations play in the activation of the groups will become in- creasingly important in the future.

The rescue unit activity is set to continue, as it has become a permanent operating model under the volunteer activities that are hosted by the North Karelia Rescue Service. However, the unit ac- tivity model was not designed to replace the current contract firefighter system, as it is based on volunteer participation – but every participant will be provided with something interesting to do.

The Security to the Countryside project proceeded gradually within each municipality and village in the region. News of the project’s achievements spread fast, and it is now seen as both a form of active neighbourhood assistance and well-planned rescue work. As the project advanced, the vil- lagers who were involved in the process began to focus increasingly on mutual interaction, which provided more room for concrete safety-oriented matters. The collaboration that was conduct- ed in the project has helped strengthen the networks in the region and, above all, the region’s level of preparedness: the region’s organisations and officials have arranged training events, and these have resulted in the creation of effective networks. The activities of these newly created networks will be maintained in the future, and the organisations in the region will be called to a joint meeting by the Rescue Services in the coming autumn. To maintain these activities, we will need to regularly arrange training sessions, common meetings, educational events and training 23 nights at local fire stations.