In early November, representatives from the industrial actors at Alholmen Industrial Park (AIP) and officials from the City of Jakobstad gathered for the first time in a joint workshop under the theme “Influence Collaboration.”
The event, organized by the Alholmen Circular Economy Platform (ACEP) and Pietarsaaren kaupunkisuunnittelu vihreän energiasiirtymän mahdollistamiseksi (PIKAVEM) projects, was held in the Jugend Hall in Jakobstad.
Aiming to strengthen the AIP area
The morning began with a welcoming address from Juha Hakala, CEO of th Port of Pietarsaari and Chairman of Alholmen Industrial Park. Hakala explained the significance of AIP in the development of the industrial area at Alholmen in Jakobstad. Through joint advocacy and projects that engage all actors, the association aims to create a dynamic and attractive environment for companies and employees. The focus is also on efforts that make the area even more appealing both as a workplace and for new establishments.
Alholmen Industrial Park has a clear goal: to strengthen cooperation between the industries and companies at Alholmen, as well as to develop collaboration with other stakeholders. Hakala emphasized that the city plays a key role in the development of the industrial park and that good cooperation between AIP and the city is of utmost importance.
Harri Kotimäki, Jakobstad’s Development Director, provided information of the ongoing daily matters in the City of Jakobstad.
Competitiveness through cooperation
Sari Kola from Innovaatiotohtori.fi gave an inspiring lecture on the importance of cooperation between the city’s organization and the industries. She noted that AIP has good conditions for developed cooperation. AIP’s industries, through their strategically expressed will, are a significant force in development. She also emphasized the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises. Kola’s research provided participants with valuable perspectives on how to strengthen cooperation and thereby drive innovation.
To achieve common goals and create significant results, it is important to set common goals and allow cooperation to build over time. Small efforts can together lead to great successes.
Presentation of the local master plan
City architect Sören Öhberg presented the local master plan for Jakobstad, which provided a picture of future development plans and opportunities. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their views.
Summary and future steps
Before the event, a survey was sent out to the participants. The survey revealed that the biggest challenges in cooperation are a lack of communication and/or unclear responses. It was found that most collaborations today are authority-related and that understanding of each other’s processes is often lacking. There is a demand for strengthened cooperation to reduce the distance between authorities and industry. It also became clear that there is a lack of long-term planning, which would benefit both parties.
Companies do not always know who is responsible for which areas in the city’s administration, and the city sometimes has difficulty obtaining the email addresses and phone numbers of company personnel, as they are rarely public on the company’s website. To further promote cooperation, meetings were called for where company and city officials become familiar with each other’s roles and information can be shared informally. At the same time, it was emphasized that the city should take a more active role and make its services more business-friendly.
Both parties, companies and the city, are calling for more opportunities to meet, clarity on who to contact, and increased information exchange and transparency. High on the wish list is also increased consensus and the creation of a long-term strategy.
“Influence Collaboration” 1.11.2024
The event was an important step towards creating developed cooperation between Alholmen Industrial Park and the City of Jakobstad. The following week, AIP’s After Work was organized at Walki, where city officials were also invited, which was highly appreciated by the participants.
Thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to an inspiring and rewarding day!
The next event under the theme “developed cooperation with the City of Jakobstad” is planned for April 10, 2024.
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