The author, Satu Sikanen, is the executive director of South Karelia Regional Council, Finland.
Customers and investors expect companies to be responsible in various forms. In recent years, sustainability aspects in particular have become increasingly important.
South Karelia has world-class expertise in sustainable business. The Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology is tackling major challenges in technology, economics and social sciences through its strategy of clean energy, water, air and sustainable business. LUT is one of the top 10 universities in the world in climate science. The knowledge base in the region is also being built by LAB University of Applied Sciences, Saimaa Vocational College, the Army Academy and the Border and Maritime Guard School, among others.
South Karelia is known for its world-class process industries. We also have a growing number of companies offering business management services. The energy and environmental technology and bio- and circular economy sectors have very promising growth prospects, which we want to accelerate further through research, development and innovation investments. Our region is an agile environment for experimentation, creating piloting opportunities for new clean technologies and inventive services.
Two hours to Helsinki
South Karelia has good and developing connections to the Hamina-Kotka maritime port and the Helsinki Metropolitan area, which can be reached by train in two hours. The main focus in developing the transport system is on enabling low-carbon, sustainable mobility and logistics. The Karelia line is currently being upgraded, and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government programme promises further investment in the line. Inland waterway transport on Lake Saimaa also has potential, although the situation of the Saimaa Canal may remain uncertain well into the future. Direct connections to Europe are maintained by air, especially to reach international tourists.
The Saimaa region shines as one of the most spectacular lake regions in the world, whose tourism potential has not yet been fully realised. Tourism infrastructure is being developed to support the growth of water, nature and sports tourism. The demolition of dams on the Hiitola River, the restoration of rapids and the development of trails are good examples of this. Nature is everywhere, whether you live in the city or in the countryside.
South Karelia's strong sense of community and spirit of volunteerism generate active citizenship and provide stimulation and experiences in areas such as culture and sport. In South Karelia, waiting lists for treatment are the shortest in the country. The conditions for a good life are therefore in place - as are the conditions for successful business.
As an external border region of NATO and the EU, South Karelia is now a region of great international interest and at the beginning of a new era. Together, we want to seek solutions to build sustainable business and success stories in which you can be a winner, through private-public partnerships in the region.
We promise that South Karelia will resound now and in the future.