Priorities for development in North Karelia 2026–2029

General objectives of the Regional Strategic Programme POKAT2029

Renewing Economy and Increased Investment​

• Support growth sectors, attract investment, and boost exports​
• Improve companies’ capacity to create new jobs​
• Develop a diversified economic structure based on each municipality’s strengths​

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture​

• Promote residents’ wellbeing and health through cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder cooperation​
• Strengthen inclusion and prevent marginalisation across all population groups​
• Expand opportunities for multi-local living​
• Enhance regional culture as well as attractiveness and retention​

Attractive Living Environment and Diverse Nature​

• Advance climate-resilient solutions across all activities​
• Increase biodiversity and resource wisdom​
• Enhance the opportunities of the energy transition and improve regional energy self-sufficiency

       

Global Excellence in Smart Specialisation

North Karelia positions itself as part of the European and international landscape particularly through three areas of global excellence:

1. Forest-based bioeconomy and circular economy 
2. Photonics
3. Mineral economy

For more information please visit the website of the Regional Council of North Karelia