Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2016 | Page 52

Southwest Synergy
Turku, Uusikaupunki, Rauma
and Pori are pushing regional
growth – together

Southwest Finland is brimming with synergies – and the leading cities in the region are working hard to capitalise on
the opportunities presented by collaboration. The coastal towns of Turku, Uusikaupunki, Rauma and Pori came together
already in 2005, as the mayors of the communities started having regular talks. In 2010, an agreement was reached on
the forms of cooperation and LOURA – Intercity Collaboration of South-West Coast of Finland – was born.

P

ipa Turvanen is presently charged with
coordinating the LOURA co-operation
efforts. She comments that the region
has a long tradition of working together, but
recently, the goals and the activities have
become more ambitious.
“The idea is that the cities identify and
select their collective strong areas, and work
together to develop them onwards.”

West is the Best?
Since the entire region is big on marine
industries, this is obviously one key area
of cooperation, but also such sectors as
energy, water-related know-how and tour50 Nordicum

ism & travel offer plenty of opportunities.
The Southwest coast and archipelago, for
instance, are truly world-class nature destinations.
“Coastal cities are a rising trend also
internationally. From an investor’s viewpoint, it makes sense to explore the potential of the entire region instead of a single
city. Together we can be bigger than any of
us on our own,” she sums up.

Joining Forces
Aino-Maija Luukkonen, Mayor of Pori, says
that the Southwest alliance is a strategical
tool to help deal with the challenges of the

future. As urbanisation results in the creation of growth corridors and growth zones,
all dynamic communities – and those wanting to stay that way – must tap into these collaborative networks.
“Our cities are stronger together, if
you look at issues such as regional competitiveness, visibility and promoting
one’s interests,” she says, adding that the
Southwest cities are not that interested in
administrative or municipal limits here, but,
instead, want to nurture activities that are
beneficial (at least in the long run) for the
entire region.
According to Luukkonen, Pori has
been active on many fronts lately, as € 1.3