Center of expertise and competence for the green transition of Upper and Eastern Kainuu

The project pilots a new model of collaboration between regions, municipalities, companies, and universities, aimed at accelerating green transition investments, strengthening the region’s economic and employment impacts, ensuring the inclusive consideration of various interest groups, and implementing the principles of a just transition.

These objectives will be advanced by establishing a joint Centre of Expertise for the Green Transition involving five municipalities and three universities. The centre’s mission is to anchor comprehensive know-how in the region for the ecologically and socially sustainable use and processing of local natural and energy resources into high value-added products. During the project, municipalities and universities will closely collaborate with local residents, businesses, and third-sector actors. The centre will operate as a network across the participating municipalities, primarily through the project's online portal and social media channels.

The activities of the centre, both during and after the project, will significantly strengthen the competitiveness of the region and its existing businesses, bringing notable economic and employment benefits. The project also enhances the region’s ability to attract new talent, companies, and investments. Strengthening local capabilities and expertise will also benefit Finland at a national level—supporting the achievement of emission reduction goals and the development of low-carbon energy production and processing in an ecologically and socially sustainable way.

The project will also produce valuable new research on key green transition themes to support regional and national development. It will simultaneously seek local, pragmatic solutions to urgent challenges and development needs. For the region, sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure solutions—as well as those related to electricity grid development and energy security—are of particular importance.

Strengthening interaction with national stakeholders (such as the energy sector, defence administration, security of supply actors, and ministries) is also a key focus. With the involvement of leading research institutions, the region will gain national and international visibility as an attractive site for green transition initiatives, investments, and as a place to live and work.

The project is led and administered by the Municipality of Hyrynsalmi, in partnership with the City of Kuhmo and the municipalities of Puolanka, Ristijärvi, and Suomussalmi. Project partners also include the University of Helsinki, LUT University, and the Kerttu Saalasti Institute of the University of Oulu.

The Kerttu Saalasti Institute (University of Oulu) will contribute knowledge related to micro-enterprises and the regional business landscape to support decision-making and data-driven leadership. It will conduct a study on the role, readiness, and participation opportunities of micro-enterprises in the regional green transition, and provide a spatial and regional analysis of companies relevant to green transition investments in the area.

Contact:

Development Manager Nafisa Yeasmin
nafisa.yeasmin@oulu.fi
+358 50 597 6325