European Cities and Regions of the Future –study ranks annually the most promising investment location in Europe. This year fDI Intelligence, a service from the Financial Times, named Greater Helsinki as the winner in the FDI strategy category, when comparing small regions. In addition, Uusimaa region won in its own size category.
The FDI strategy placed Helsinki region on the top among the small regions in a ranking done by fDI Intelligence. Last year Helsinki was in place seven. This particular category compares how well regions attract foreign direct investments and the ability of the regional development agencies to market the region for the investors. In the Helsinki region, this work is done by regional development agency Helsinki Business Hub.
– We have made strategic decisions and focused our resources to domains where we have clear strengths. In 2016, we evaluated our strategic focus areas from three perspectives. We estimated international market potential, Helsinki region’s special conditions and the implementation ability of Helsinki Business Hub in chosen fields. This ranking indicates that these choices have been successful, CEO of Helsinki Business Hub Marja-Liisa Niinikoski comments.
In addition to the region, the ranking compares cities. Helsinki and Espoo were both ranked in top 10 in their own size categories from several points of view. Also, the whole Uusimaa region took the first place among the mid-size regions.
– Successful cities have many strengths and only a few weaknesses. Our strengths support investment – infrastructure works, a collaboration between the public and private sector is uncomplicated, talent is readily available and there are strong ecosystems that support companies in finding solutions for global challenges. Helsinki wants to be the most functional city in the world and a place that attracts people and companies that work towards a better world. I believe this ranking is a great example that we are making this vision come true, the mayor of Helsinki Jan Vapaavuori explains.
World class in ICT and health sector
Helsinki region has been recognized by the foreign companies especially in the ICT and health sector. A major part of last year’s investments came from these two domains.
– Finland’s ICT and health industries are among the best in the world from the foreign companies’ point of view. The legacy of Nokia is still alive and the layoffs in the recent years have caused a situation that talent is easily available. This is very attractive for foreign companies. For instance, Huawei has expanded their R&D function in Finland during the last years. In the health sector, we are also very strong. Our legislation, open data possibilities and innovations and opportunities in personalized health have all been noticed globally. This is a good base to build our reputation on, Niinikoski says.
Ranking results:
GREATER HELSINKI
WINNER
fDi’s Small European Regions of the Future 2018/19 – FDI Strategy
City rankings
HELSINKI
10. PLACE
Overall fDi’s European Cities of the Future 2018/19
4. PLACE
Overall fDi’s Northern European Cities of the Future 2018/19
6. PLACE
fDi’s Major European Cities of the Future 2018/19
5. PLACE
fDi’s Major European Cities of the Future 2018/19 – Economic Potential
9.PLACE
fDi’s Major European Cities of the Future 2018/19 – Connectivity
ESPOO
8. PLACE
fDi’s Small European Cities of the Future 2018/19 – Economic Potential
5. PLACE
fDi’s Small European Cities of the Future 2018/19 – Human Capital and Lifestyle
UUSIMAA
WINNER
fDi’s Mid-Sized European Regions of the Future 2018/19
WINNER
fDi’s Mid-Sized European Regions of the Future 2018/19 – Economic Potential
5. PLACE
fDi’s Mid-Sized European Regions of the Future 2018/19 – Human Capital and Lifestyle
8.PLACE
Overall fDi’s European Regions of the Future 2018/19
3. PLACE
fDi’s Northern European Regions of the Future 2018/19
