Strong cities and partnerships

Together, Kuopio’s voice carries further.

Urban policy

Strong university cities are the foundation of Finland’s stability and wellbeing. Kuopio calls for a new vision for national urban policy and emphasises the importance of university cities as drivers of innovation and business renewal.

Urban policy should recognise the regional role of university cities as engines of growth. Kuopio generates growth, expertise and innovation that benefit Eastern Finland and Finland as a whole. Partnerships between central government and major cities should be strengthened through long-term MAL agreements and innovation ecosystem agreements, while ensuring that cities have the capacity to invest in growth, essential public services and safe, secure everyday life.

Municipal finances

Central government transfers to municipalities should reflect their current responsibilities and enable them to respond to service needs and invest in the future.

Reforms should take into account the extensive service and commuter areas of regional centres, as well as their role as pilot environments for national reforms and skills-related service provision. Municipalities should not be given new responsibilities without sufficient and permanent funding.

Agreements and partnerships

Innovation ecosystem agreements between central government and cities are used to develop collaborative networks, strengthen key areas of expertise and increase the impact of RDI activities. Kuopio’s priority areas are health and wellbeing technology and water, with comprehensive security serving as a cross-cutting theme. The agreement supports innovation-driven growth, competitiveness, vitality, employment and internationalisation. The activities began in 2021.

Innovative cities draw on their own strengths, digitalisation, new technologies and carbon neutrality to accelerate business renewal and sustainable urban development.

The agreement-based approach should be continued and developed on an equal footing alongside MAL agreements. Partnership with central government supports the city’s innovation-driven growth, competitiveness, employment and internationalisation.

The agreements strengthen competence clusters and innovation environments and connect local actors with international RDI networks and value chains. Key measures include urban development projects, innovative public procurement, the utilisation of research results, new business ecosystems, startup communities, and strengthening expertise by attracting international talent.

The City’s role in enabling growth

Kuopio is a growing university city with international significance and a driving force for growth and attractiveness in Eastern Finland.

Kuopio enables growth by bringing together urban development, education, research, business and services. The city develops innovation environments, supports business growth and investment, helps ensure access to skilled professionals, and strengthens the foundations for a good and safe everyday life.

As a university city and a major centre in Eastern Finland, Kuopio generates solutions, expertise and wellbeing that benefit a wide area. Growth is built in partnership with central government, municipalities in the region, higher education institutions, businesses, the wellbeing services county and other partners.

Kuopio has published its priorities for Finland’s Government Programme for 2027–2031. At their core is a Finland capable of renewal, building sustainable growth, security and vitality throughout the country.

Kuopio emphasises that challenging times call for long-term solutions, strong cooperation and a bold direction for the future. The city contributes concrete proposals to the national debate on strengthening Finland’s strategic competitiveness, supporting business growth, and safeguarding wellbeing and security.