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Strategic networks and cluster building in the Helsinki Metropolitan Region

Marko Karvinen, Chief Policy AdvisorEconomic and Planning CentreCity of Helsinki

Tel: +358 - 9 - 169 2239Mob: +358 - 50 - 547 3737E-mail: marko.karvinen@hel.fi

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Overview

Cluster development in Helsinki is based on city’s and region’s 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

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Northern Baltic Sea

Finland in Europe

Helsinki Metropolitan Area

Stockholm RegionStockholm Region

Riga RegionRiga Region

Tallinn RegionTallinn Region

St. Petersburg RegionSt. Petersburg Region

SWEDENSWEDEN

FINLANDFINLAND

ESTONIAESTONIA

LATVIALATVIA

RUSSIARUSSIA

100 km

Regional Regional pop.pop.

6,4 mill6,4 mill..

1 mill.1 mill.

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Helsinki – key figuresCity 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 37 499 € Finland 25 996 €

Sipoo

Mäntsälä

Kerava

PornainenJärvenpää

Kauniainen

Tuusula

Helsinki

Vantaa

Hyvinkää

Nurmijärvi

Espoo

Vihti

Kirkko-nummi

Helsingin seutu

Helsinki (1)Muu pääkaupunkiseutu (3)Muu Helsingin seutu (10)

Helsinki region municipalities

City of HelsinkiRest of the Helsinki Metropolitan AreaRest of the Helsinki Region

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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.

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City of Helsinki: strategic themes and strategies 2005-2008

1.Client based development of city’s services

2. Increasing the cost efficiency in city’s activities

3.Prevention of social exclusion and cooperation

4.Strengthening the knowledge of city’s 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

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Culminatum Ltd Oy

Universities (7)Polytechnics (6)Research Institutions (4) 34 %

County and cities

Uusimaa Regional CouncilCity of EspooCity of HelsinkiCity 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

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Cluster fields in 2007-2013 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

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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