Regional development is grounded in the needs of local inhabitants, authorities, municipalities, the universities and other educational organizations. The common goal is to strengthen and diversify the regional economy in order to produce vitality and wellbeing to the region today and in the future.
According to the Finnish Law of Regional Development, the Regional Council of South Karelia acts as a regional development authority. As a regional authority the Council draws together with regional stakeholders up the strategies in which the goals and measures for different development plans are defined.
Regional Plan of South Karelia 2026−2029 includes South Karelia’s vision for 2040, as well as a strategy for the next four years. The Regional Council approved the regional plan in December 2025. The plan is used as a reference document in the evaluation of proposed regional development projects. The projects financed by the council have to be in line with the objectives of the Regional Plan. The project entities and procedures that will see to the realisation of the regional development plan will be readjusted every two years in greater detail in an implementation plan.
We approach the year 2040 with the vision “We are changing the story”. In 2040, South Karelia is a well‑connected, welcoming region where everyday life flows smoothly. Strong transport and digital connections, sustainable mobility, and reliable energy and services support a high quality of life for residents and businesses alike. Education, international talent, and innovation drive renewal, while vibrant communities, nature, and multilocal living strengthen wellbeing across cities, rural areas, and the Saimaa region. Together, we have turned challenges into opportunity and built a sustainable, inclusive, and attractive future.
Resources are targeted at outlined development procedures in the spirit of smart specialisation (a regional plan for research, development and innovation) and experimental development. Plans for Smart Specialisation in South Karelia (in Finnish) are outlined in more detail in the Innovation Strategy of South Karelia 2026-2029.
Regional planning system takes into account the national regional development targets based on the Regional Development Act. The main objective of this task is to support independent and continuous development of the region as well as to improve the living conditions of the population and to ensure the structures necessary for economic development. In all activities aspects of sustainable development are observed.
The Regional Council of South Karelia is also delivering finance to the region within the Southern Finland ERDF Programme. The main aim of these programs is to promote the development of Southern Finland as an area into a uniform, balanced, and internationally and nationally attractive entity based on the strengths of the regions and to strengthen the competitiveness, accessibility and employment also in South Karelia. The programme consists of priorities, which direct the financing of projects.
Contact persons in the Council:
Development Director, Ms. Kirsi Vainio
tel. +358 40 637 3616, [email protected]
Manager, Regional Development, Ms. Heli Gynther
tel. +358 40 485 5109, [email protected]
Manager, Regional Development, Ms. Laura Peuhkuri
tel. +358 40 631 5970, [email protected]