As a regional council, we are responsible for the development of Helsinki-Uusimaa. Our work looks far ahead, while also shaping development actions in the coming years. To support this work, we work with regional stakeholders to develop joint strategies and programmes. Together, these help strengthen competitiveness, support wellbeing and skills, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme sets the direction for the region’s development over the coming years. The programme, covering the period 2026–2029, defines key development objectives and outlines a long-term vision for 2050.
Vision and priorities of the Regional Programme
Helsinki-Uusimaa’s vision for 2050 is to be ‘the happiest, most innovative and environmentally smartest region in Europe’. The programme’s priorities and objectives support this vision. The programme also includes smart specialisation priorities that guide research, development and innovation activities.
Priority 1: Environmentally smart Helsinki-Uusimaa
Main objective: The environmentally smartest region in Europe
Objectives:
- Nature-positive Helsinki-Uusimaa
- Carbon-negative circular economy
- Climate-resilient region
Priority 2: Innovative Helsinki-Uusimaa
Main objective: The most innovative region in Europe
Objectives:
- European accelerator of innovations
- Networks for economic development and investments
- Helsinki-Uusimaa Region of expertise
Priority 3: Happy Helsinki-Uusimaa
Main objective: Europe’s leading region in well-being
Objectives:
- Diverse metropolitan region
- Good region in which to integrate
- Work and well-being for the younger generation
Achieving the objectives together
The Regional Programme sets the direction for Helsinki-Uusimaa’s development over a four-year period. It outlines the region’s opportunities and key success factors, and guides the allocation of regional project funding.
The programme identifies research, development and innovation priorities that serve as the region’s smart specialisation priorities, in line with European Commission requirements. It also serves as the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council’s strategy and guides its advocacy work.
The Regional Programme is implemented by key development actors in Helsinki-Uusimaa, including municipalities, higher education institutions, vocational institutes and civil society organisations. Implementation is primarily carried out through projects.
Regional development in Finland is governed by legislation on regional development and the implementation of EU regional and structural policy.
Find out more
Innovative Helsinki-Uusimaa
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Region is one of the most innovative regions in Europe and the most dynamic region in Finland.
For more information, please contact:
Rosa Tuomi
Senior Adviser
Foresight, education policy, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Programme
Venla Virkamäki
Innovation Manager
venla.virkamaki@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Development of R&I and international marketing, Strategy for smart specialisation, EU cooperation
Current
Cases
4.3.2026
Pornainen made headlines with the world’s largest sand battery
Pornainen was chosen as a pilot site when a Finnish circular economy innovation, an industrial-grade sand battery, began producing clean district heating for the municipality.
News
6.2.2026
Helsinki-Uusimaa aims to become the happiest, most innovative and environmentally smartest region in Europe
The new regional programme is titled Helsinki-Uusimaa, a Region of Solutions – Pioneer in Finland, Forerunner in Europe. It sets out the region’s vision of becoming the happiest, most innovative and environmentally smartest region in Europe by 2050.
This page was last updated: 23.2.2026