Government programme development appropriations for the region

The growth agreement application of the Lappeenranta-Imatra region is one of the six selected for the AIKO Programme for launching regional innovations and experiments in 2016−2018 that are included in the Government Programme.

The agreement negotiations concerning the allocation of the € 15 million grant were conducted in March-April, and the actual growth agreements were signed during spring 2016.

AIKO funding for launching new regional innovations and experiments supports the strategic development of urban regions and growth zones and the launching of new competitiveness initiatives, in addition to it being an important instrument of leverage when seeking new ways to improve the vitality of regions and cities. A priority area in the AIKO programme for the Lappeenranta–Imatra city region is to stimulate growth in the renewable energy and green technology sectors. The preparation work carried out in the Lappeenranta region has focused on the following subjects: treatment of waste and side streams, emission-free energy systems, and water technology.