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SEAS CROSSED, MINDS MET

INNOVATION SYSTEMS NEED INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE

Mr. Matti OllinkariCity of Helsinki

representing Baltic Metropoles

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Motto:

"Helsinki has set sail with

the major metropolises by the

Baltic Sea. Motorways of the sea

make people move, cultures meet

and innovations evolve."

Eva-Riitta Siitonen

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Introduction: Old trade routes in use, motorways of the sea under construction

The “motorways of the sea” concept aims at introducing

new intermodal maritime-based logistics chains in Europe

BaltMet point of view: Baltic Sea has to be crossed

in many ways, mentally as well as physically

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Baltic Metropoles fosters innovation and brain circulation across the sea

Baltic Metropoles (BaltMet) has mobilised the Mayors of the capitals and major cites around the Baltic Sea to work together for the overall competitiveness and integration of the region

The first focus area of the network, established in 2002 and chaired by Helsinki since 2003, has been theenhancement of innovation and brain circulation

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Flagship project “BaltMet Inno” sails smoothly

BaltMet Inno project aims at creating an innovation

policy framework for the Baltic Sea Region strengthening

connections between science, business development and city

administrations.

The project was launched in the beginning of 2005.

Conclusions of the complementary elements of the innovation

policies are expected by the end of 2007.

The project with the total budget of € 2,6 million is co-funded

by the INTERREG IIIB Programme

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BaltMet Mayors’ Meeting in Stockholmpaves the way for new focus areas

Copenhagen 2002: Resolution for supporting EU enlargement, puttingemphasis on Lisbon goals and for focusing on innovation policies

Berlin 2005: Kick-off of the joint innovation project, Action Plan for mobilising innovation and brain circulation around the Baltic Sea and for putting joint effort in branding Baltic Sea at the European level

Stockholm 2005: New focus areas such as investments in environment and transport infrastructure opened up

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BaltMet is prepared for the next stroke: Support for investments in infrastructure

Innovation systems need to be supported with proper infra.Motorways of the sea is just one example.

Finland will initiate under the Northern Dimension a new partnership programme on transportation and logistics. It would boost investments in infrastructure around the Baltic Sea Region.

BaltMet is interested in the development of this initiative along with the already existing partnership programmes.

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We are all in the same boat

The global competition for high-quality resourcesand international investments is a common challenge for the whole region. We must grow bigger and smarter.

Therefore we need “co-opetition”. Co-operation makes us bigger, competition smarter.

BaltMet supports interaction among business, academia and policy makers, locally as well as internationally.

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Course forward!

Orders need to meet actors. City networks are powerful

tools in the implementation of the EU initiatives.

BaltMet is looking forward to co-operation with the EU

institutions and national governments in making the

best use of the old trade routes of the Baltic Sea.