Lapland was chosen as one of Europe’s model regions in cluster development among six other top areas. The European Commission's Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General made the selection out of 44 applicants. Lapland is in respectable company, as other areas include Hamburg, Stockholm, Sweden, Portugal, Central sub-area in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and West Region of Romania.

"This is a great step forward, which opens up many new possibilities to develop Lapland. Digipolis compiled applications diversely with various parties both in Lapland and nationally. The preparation of the application was assisted by Lapland’s mining and industrial service operators’ developer network and their extensive co-operation,” says Digipolis CEO Kimmo Heikka.

Model areas have been selected to develop and implement new procedures of European clusters that make innovative use of natural strengths of the areas. Model areas will have access to the European Cluster Observatory expertise.

“We have to be proud of ourselves – having been selected in the final six model regions is a great achievement and a display of the Lappish network co-operation. Simultaneously, it’s an excellent opportunity to apply for new procedures and financing possibilities for the Lappish vitality work”, Mika Riipi, Country Governor of Lapland, points out.

According to the European Cluster Observatory, nearly 40% of Europeans work for organisations that are part of clusters. Clusters are groups of companies that are located in near vicinity of each others and are focused in specific products, areas of expertise, resources, services and suppliers. As a result of cluster co-operation, Lapland is making progress in its endeavor to be a forerunner in the EU and a model region in sustainable refining of natural resources.

“Industrial and mining operators benefit from Lapland’s image and also for their part contribute in building it. There is a strong forerunner cluster developing in Lapland, benefiting and utilizing the sustainable growth of the whole arctic area”, CEO Kimmo Heikka continues.

The European Cluster Conference, organised by the European Commission, takes place between 20th and 21st of October in Brussels. The agenda of the conference is ”Boosting SME griwth, industrial renewal and regional structural change through modern cluster policies and support”. The model cluster region of Lapland’s arctic industry has been invited to take part in the conference.

More information:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/initiatives/cluster/observatory/news/index_en.htm

Kimmo Heikka
toimitusjohtaja
kimmo.heikka@digipolis.fi
+358 40 555 8020

Kari Poikela
ohjelmapäällikkö
kari.poikela@digipolis.fi
+358 50 435 8283