Eastern Finland needs a new growth story under the pressure of a closed eastern border and a transformation in the forest industry, assesses INFRA ry's new executive director for North Savo and North Karelia, Paula Laukkanen. The crucial question is whether Eastern Finland can build accessibility and energy solutions that attract new investments to the region.
"The condition of the road, functioning rail connections and strengthening of the electricity grids will determine whether new investments will be made in Eastern Finland or whether growth will flow elsewhere," says a resident of Joensuu. Paula Laukkanen says.
The difficult economic situation in the construction sector is visible in Eastern Finland, but infrastructure construction has supported the sector, especially where new private investments have been mobilized. At the same time, regional differentiation has intensified.
According to EK's investment window, green investments worth 674 million euros in the decision or start-up phase in North Savo and 151 million euros in North Karelia.
The gap is deepening in planned projects: according to the data window, the investment potential in North Savo is 2,1 billion euros and in North Karelia 0,4 billion euros.
"The difference shows how enormously important accessibility, energy networks and the attractiveness of the region are in the location of investments. This development can be balanced with the right decisions," says Laukkanen.
Connections are crucial for jobs and safety
INFRA's Paula Laukkanen welcomes the government's budget decisions on transport investments and the special economic zone in Eastern Finland, but emphasizes that the exceptional situation requires long-term solutions.
"It is important to understand that the routes of Eastern Finland are not just regional policy. They are also security, security of supply and economic policy. Without functional connections, there will be no new jobs, industry or tourism."
Laukkanen sees new growth opportunities in the hydrogen and bioeconomy, energy storage, security expertise and tourism. In photonics, Joensuu has become one of the leading European competence centers, and the sector is growing rapidly. Mining is now one of the infrastructure drivers, from which growth stories can be expected in the future.
"If, due to geography, we are not the number one region in all investments, we must be the best in those where we have a genuine competitive advantage. The region has a lot of expertise, space, energy and opportunities – they just need to be connected to a functioning infrastructure."
“A strong regional voice is needed now”
INFRA CEO Paavo Syrjö considers Laukkanen's appointment important for Eastern Finland and INFRA.
"Eastern Finland needs a strong regional voice right now that understands the importance of infrastructure for growth, investments and security. Paula, who has gained experience in the commercial, machinery and real estate sectors, knows the needs of the region and is able to bring together actors behind a common vision for the future."
Paula Laukkanen
Executive Director
paula.laukkanen@rt.fi +358 50 323 4691INFRA Pohjois-Savo
INFRA North Karelia
