1 Strategic networks and cluster building in the Helsinki Metropolitan Region Marko Karvinen, Chief Policy Advisor Economic and Planning Centre City of Helsinki Tel: Mob:

2 Overview Cluster development in Helsinki is based on citys and regions strategy, identification of local strengths and networking Introduction The Economic and Planning Centre of the City of Helsinki is in charge of preparing and matching the objectives and strategy alternatives related to developing the city

3 Northern Baltic Sea Finland in Europe Helsinki Metropolitan Area Stockholm Region Riga Region Tallinn Region St. Petersburg Region SWEDEN FINLAND ESTONIA LATVIA RUSSIA 100 km Regional pop. 6,4 mill. 1 mill.

4 Helsinki – key figures City and Region Share of 15-year-olds and older with a university degree (2004) City 34 % Region 33 % Employment rate (2007) City 72.6 % Region 73.9 % Unemployment rate (2007) City 7.0 % Region 6.1 % GVA per capita (2005) Helsinki Region Finland Helsinki region municipalities City of Helsinki Rest of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Rest of the Helsinki Region 10 km

5 Common Vision for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and the City of Helsinki The Helsinki Metropolitan Area is a dynamic world-class centre for business and innovation. Its high-quality services, arts and science, creativity and adaptability promote the prosperity of its citizens and bring benefits to all of Finland. The Metropolitan Area is being developed as a unified region close to nature where it is good to live, learn, work and do business.

6 City of Helsinki: strategic themes and strategies Client based development of citys services 2.Increasing the cost efficiency in citys activities 3.Prevention of social exclusion and cooperation 4.Strengthening the knowledge of citys personnel 5. Improving innovativeness of Metropolitan region and strengthening the knowledge of citizens 6.Improving the business conditions for enterprises 7. Developing the regional urban structure and increasing the capabilities of centres 8.Developing the long term transport system by emphasising public transport 9.Variety in housing and in sufficient housing production WELFARE AND SERVICES COMPETITIVENESS URBAN STRUCTURE AND HOUSING

7 Culminatum Ltd Oy Universities (7) Polytechnics (6) Research Institutions (4) 34 % County and cities Uusimaa Regional Council City of Espoo City of Helsinki City of Vantaa 43 % Chambers of Commerce (2) Science Parks (4) Companies (3) 17 % Financial Institutions (3) 6 % Culminatum Ltd Oy is a development company owned by local authorities, and the universities, polytechnics, research institutes and business community of Helsinki region. The main function of Culminatum Ltd Oy is to manage the Centre of Expertise Programme. This programme promotes utilisation of the highest international standard of knowledge and expertise in business, job creation and regional development Shareholders of Culminatum Ltd Oy

8 Cluster fields in in the Helsinki region Digital content business Environmental technology cluster Food processing development cluster HealthBio - Health cluster Living cluster Nano and micro systems and future materials Tourism and experience industry Ubiquitous computing Well-being cluster

9 Lessons learned Strong networks between local authorities, universities and business community High educational level is basis for highly developed and specialized clusters Low social barriers allow innovations flexible movement Strong strategic thinking and common vision increase commitment