New Resource-Wise Planning Strategies for Smart Urban-Rural Development in Finland

Abstract

This article discusses the opportunities and challenges for resource-wise development strategies in regional planning. Spatial planning integrates the key aspects, transportation, housing, and food production which are, on many occasions, stated as the most significant consumption factors causing environmental impacts. In light of the challenges that regions are currently facing in Finland, we are drawing attention to the role of strategic spatial planning as demand-responsive resource management, a theme which is still inadequately addressed within regional development and planning in Finland. In many other fields of society, innovative data-based products and demand-and user-driven services are considered important sources of success in the future. Such strategies combine different types of service providers, like deliveries for groceries or restaurant meals, mobile healthcare services, or public transport with on-demand services. We highlight the fact that a regionally large and sparsely populated country, such as Finland, cannot achieve success solely through centralisation. Instead, smart networking, co-creation, and innovative cyber-physical solutions are vital for the utilisation of the entire country's resource potentiality. In conclusion, we underpin the need for a framework, which would offer a strategic support scheme for resource-wise development, resource optimization, and closure of yield gaps. In our view it is necessary to begin to envision, strategise, and develop user-and demand-responsive development strategies with a specific aim for sustainable, resource-wise ways of life in northern regions, also outside the growing urban centres, and innovate solutions that help individuals, communities, and the whole society to renew and manage resources wisely.

Smart Specialisation strategies on the periphery: a data-triangulation approach to governance issues and practices

“…Several studies have focused exclusively on Finland. Using a resource-focused perspective, Rönkkö et al (2017) argue that smart urban-rural development in Finland requires resource-wise spatial planning and a particular focus on networking. The indices of S3 developed by Kaivo-oja et al (2017) revealed comparative advantage and regions' overall relative specialization, concluding that many growing sub-regions have similar comparative advantages.…”