The Vaasa region offers strong conditions for attracting different types of investments. The team working to attract investments is open to suggestions from both companies and individuals about what is needed.
The Invest in Vaasa development project and its team play a crucial role in supporting both established and new businesses in investing in the Vaasa region.
Anna-Kaisa Valkama, Development Director at Vaasa Facilita, explains that many players have long been working to attract companies and investments to the Vaasa region. However, much of this work has been reactive, meaning it has focused on responding to needs and inquiries.
“The mindset has changed, and the work has become more proactive. Now, to a larger extent, we actively seek out opportunities,” says Anna-Kaisa Valkama.
Valkama believes that the proactive approach took a significant step forward with the GigaVaasa initiative, which focuses on attracting various stakeholders within the battery value chain.
“This way of thinking and working is now being applied to a broader range of areas.”
A joint effort for the region
Invest in Vaasa is an initiative focused on attracting various types of investments to the Vaasa region. The main stakeholders are Technology Centre Merinova, Vaasa Facilita, and Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK. Together with the city of Vaasa and surrounding municipalities, they create a large network.
“Even though the joint effort is branded as ‘Invest in Vaasa’, we are working for the entire region,” says Valkama.
The energy sector as one of the cornerstones
The Vaasa region’s energy cluster is a key factor in attracting new investments. The energy cluster also influences the demand for related services, such as engineering firms, software developers, and service providers.
“Energy is our region’s strong suit, and existing business relationships often lead to new opportunities,” says Stefan Råback, CEO of VASEK.
Different types of engineers are already in high demand, but for companies that can complement the labor market in other sectors, the opportunities are just as significant.
“The social and healthcare sector in the region is already a major employer, and there are more opportunities in, for example, banking and finance,” says Stefan Råback.
A concrete example that is often overlooked is that many, perhaps around a thousand people locally, are already working in various contact centers that serve customers across the country or internationally.
“The Vaasa region offers access to a workforce with strong language skills,” says Råback.
Already established players are just as important
Traditionally, “Invest in” work focuses on attracting investments from other regions and countries. However, Stefan Råback points out that it’s important not to forget the companies that are already here.
“If we can encourage them to invest more, the end result can be just as good,” he says.
Mikaela Nykvist, Project Manager at Merinova, who heads the Invest in Vaasa project, also emphasizes the importance of understanding what existing businesses need.
“What is being imported here? What is missing in the value chain that could be produced locally?” she asks, to get the ideas flowing.
Kenneth Dalkvist, Business Advisor at VASEK, states that the best outcome occurs when new establishments help ease the daily operations of already established companies.
Open to suggestions
Merinova’s Project Manager Kalle Hällfors says that the entire “Invest in Vaasa” team is eager to receive suggestions on what types of establishments are in demand. This information helps focus their work and ensures that businesses arriving in the region can quickly gain a foothold in the market.
Kalle Hällfors mentions that discussions with companies have already brought up a need for certain types of testing laboratories, as companies in Vaasa are currently turning abroad to test their technology.
How Invest in Vaasa can help potential investors
In summary, much of the Invest in Vaasa project revolves around creating a touchpoint for companies to receive assistance – a sort of one-stop shop. A large support network has already been established, and expert teams can be formed around individual contacts. Companies can receive help with consulting, information about available support, selecting establishment locations, or facilitating direct communication with other companies.
More information and contact details can be found on investinvaasa.fi, as well as on the websites of the involved organizations.
