4FRONT is carrying out a study for the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to provide a better view of how Finnish cities succeed in competitive EU funding and how their ability to secure EU funding could be strengthened. In addition, the study identifies good practices from European benchmark cities. The study is carried by 4FRONT and commissioned by the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
The study responds to a goal in the Government Programme to encourage cities to cooperate nationally and internationally and to strengthen the use of EU funding across Finland. Today, information on cities’ EU funding performance is scattered across multiple databases and contact points, and a clear overall picture is missing.
The aim of the study is to produce an up-to-date view of how Finnish cities use competitive EU funding relative to European benchmark cities, identify the operating models, resources and networks behind successful cases, and provide national-level recommendations together with a strategic operating model to help cities of different sizes make more systematic use of EU funding. The results will support national decision-making, cities’ practical development work, and the integration of EU funding into cities’ strategic goals and international networking.
The project is carried out in close cooperation with Finnish cities and other stakeholders and is guided by a steering group with representatives from ministries and cities. Four stakeholder events will be held by November, culminating in a closing seminar in Helsinki where the final results, recommendations and operating model will be presented.
For more information about the project, please contact Jenna Kiiskinen, jenna.kiiskinen@4front.fi
Further information (in Finnish) about the study and upcoming events.
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