South Savo Smart Specialisation Strategy guides our path to the world
The Smart Specialisation Strategy identifies South Savo’s key strengths, around which we create new competitive products and services. It guides the region’s growth as part of the South Savo Regional Development Programme 2026–2029.
Smart specialisation aims to generate new innovations, spread them widely, and enhance regional competitiveness. The goal is to foster new businesses, create jobs, and support economic growth.
Smart specialisation brings together South Savo’s human and technological capital with sustainable use of natural resources. Internationalisation is one of the main drivers of growth and development.
South Savo's goals for 2030
The Smart Specialisation Strategy 2026–2029 builds on South Savo’s recognised strengths: forests, water, food, tourism, and digital economy. Cross-cutting themes in all activities are: climate change adaptation and mitigation, entrepreneurship and competitiveness, comprehensive security, skills and competence, and well-being.
Wealth wisely from water
- The purest waters in the world are located in South Savo.
- Our water expertise is an extensive source of business.
- South Savo, the Saimaa region, is an attractive tourist destination and a desirable place to live.
Forests are a source of success and well-being
- Our forests are managed well and used sustainably.
- We are global leaders in several high expertise fields within forestry and business.
- Tourism and well-being create new opportunities for forest use.
Creating vitality with ethical choices – Food
- Food chains are specialised and operate efficiently.
- Our food know-how generates high-value business.
- Local gastronomy is our competitive advantage.
We trust and specialise in the following strengths
What is the purpose of the strategy?
The strategy helps identifying and selecting the areas of strength in which we invest in the future.
Who made the strategy?
The strategy was made by a large number of experts from both private and public sector in South Savo.
For whom is the strategy?
For regional decision-makers and city administrators to support their decision-making and, as a guideline, for networks of companies, R&D organisations, education providers and other stakeholders of the field.
What is the benefit of the strategy?
Common goals give us the direction towards which we move. Through mutual efforts, we will ensure the vitality and progress of South Savo in the future.
