NSPA Forum, 21-22 May 2013, Oulu

The NSPA network cordially invites you to the next NSPA Forum, 21-22 May, 2013 in Oulu, North Finland. The Oulu Forum will focus on the role of the NSPA in the implementation of the different EU initiatives during the 2014-2020 programming period. Invitation and registration is now available.

The Forum will start on the evening of 21st May with a networking reception and continue on the 22nd May with a half-day seminar concentrating on the role of the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas in the implementation of the different EU initiatives during the 2014-2020 programming period.

The aim is to bring together people from the NSPA regions as well as European institutions to discuss how initiatives such as  European territorial cooperation  and smart specialisation can be used as tools to capitalise the potential of the NSPA and  overcome some of the circumstantial challenges the regions have. The NSPA Forum is a place to share ideas and best practices and also to define common objectives and goals for the future.

 

Programme

Tuesday, 21st of May 2013

Venue: Oulu City Hall, Kirkkokatu 2a

18:00-19:30 Official NSPA Reception hosted by the City of Oulu

 

Wednesday, 22nd of May 2013

Venue: Restaurant Vanha Paloasema, 3rd floor, meeting room "Vanhan Paloaseman Ullakko", Kauppurienkatu 24

08:30 Opening Session

Welcome

Ms. Tytti Tuppurainen, MP, Vice Chairwoman, Board of the Oulu Regional Council

Introduction to the NSPA future priorities

Mr. Kari Aalto, Director, East and North Finland EU Office

08:50 The European Commission expectations for 2014-2020

How is NSPA connected to the EU macro-regional strategies? How can the European Territorial Cooperation be used as an efficient tool for NSPA cooperation?

Mr. Axel Rød, Programme Manager, Competence Centre Macro-regions and European Territorial Co-operation, DG REGIO

09:30 NSPA views on smart specialisation and smart cooperation

Introduction

Ms. Janika Luukinen, Special Advisor, East and North Finland EU Office

Smart specialisation in Oulu Region

Mr. Mikko Väisänen, Manager for R&D, Council of Oulu Region

Nordland's approach to smart specialisation

Benedicte Solaas, Advisor, Nordland County

Smart sparsely populated regions

Lars Wikman, Senior Adviser in European Affairs, North Sweden European Office

Discussion

11:00 NSPA way forward

Political group views on the future

Ms. Satu Vehreävesa, Director of Regional development, Regional Council of North-Savo

11:20 Conclusions and invitation to the next NSPA Forum in North Sweden

11:30 Lunch

 

Registration (open until 10th of May)

Practical information

Programme (PDF)

Contact:

info@eastnorth.fi

02 Apr 2013