Short Overview of the New International Action Plan
On to road to make South Ostrobothnia “An Internationally attractive region”
The new South Ostrobothnia Internationalisation Action Plan, “An internationally attractive region” (2024), focuses on developing the region’s business sector, research and education, and immigration in an international context. The goal is to strengthen the region’s competitiveness and attractiveness in global markets, increase exports and international investments, and enhance the local knowledge base.
In business internationalisation, the emphasis is on developing exports, increasing international expertise, and facilitating recruitment. Additionally, efforts are made to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals to the region. In terms of international research, development, and innovation activities, as well as education, the aim is to utilise international funding programs and to strengthen the region’s role in global networks. The internationalisation of education is promoted by increasing English-language degree programs and improving employment opportunities for international students after graduation.
Immigration and integration are key themes in the action plan, aiming to address labor shortages and balance population growth. To enhance integration and employment, immigrants are provided with education and Finnish language training, and services are developed to facilitate their settlement in the region. At the same time, local communities are encouraged to play an active role in integration, and a positive attitude towards diversity is promoted.
The action plan has been developed in collaboration with municipalities, educational institutions, and other expert organisations. It takes into account the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, as well as changes in EU policies that impact the region’s internationalisation and funding opportunities. Overall, the plan provides guidelines for strengthening the region’s vitality and international cooperation in the coming years.
Immigration and Two-Way Integration in South Ostrobothnia
Based on the issues raised during the collaboration with stakeholders creating the action plan, four main development goals were identified:
Goal 1: Individualized Education for Immigrants
Each immigrant arriving in the region is considered as an individual and provided with tailored education suited to their needs.
- Improve and customize Finnish language learning opportunities, integrating language training into vocational and higher education.
- Establish educational bridges to the labor market, such as internships, assignments, projects, and visits, to develop work-life skills.
- Ensure education meets labor market needs to improve employment opportunities for immigrants.
In addition, early childhood education must cater to immigrant children with tailored support. The sudden influx of Ukrainian refugees has increased the demand for education services, prompting municipalities to adapt and improve integration measures. Schools should create inclusive environments through multicultural projects and shared learning experiences.
Finnish language education must be flexible and integrated into vocational and higher education to facilitate employment. Employers should be encouraged to offer workplace language training. Various institutions provide Finnish courses, but challenges include varying skill levels, insufficient lesson hours, and difficulties in connecting language learning with daily life and work.
Educational programs should include structured work-life connections, such as internships and industry projects, to prepare immigrants for the labor market. Collaboration with local businesses ensures training aligns with job opportunities. For example, regional efforts have facilitated international recruitment, particularly in the healthcare sector, with workers receiving language training before and after arrival.
Goal 2: Strengthening Immigration Services
Develop and establish accessible, customer-oriented immigration services.
- Strengthen local cooperation networks between service providers and immigrants.
- Develop an “International House” concept to centralize services, starting in Seinäjoki and expanding regionally.
- Explore digital applications and AI to improve efficiency in immigration services.
By the end of 2023, 3.9% of South Ostrobothnia’s population had a foreign background, compared to the national average of 10.2%. The largest immigrant groups in the region come from Ukraine, Estonia, and Russia.
The increasing immigrant population has raised the demand for related services. While coordination is strong, service availability varies by municipality. Some areas have well-established services, while others rely on temporary projects. Municipalities will assume greater responsibility for integration services under the 2025 reform, aiming to create a more structured and permanent support system.
The primary objective is to ensure all immigrants receive comprehensive support for integration, language learning, and employment, with a shift from temporary projects to permanent services.
Goal 3: Employment and Entrepreneurship for Immigrants
Ensure immigrants secure jobs that match their education and receive support for entrepreneurship.
- Create clear career paths for highly educated immigrants, including language training and work-life integration.
- Organize recruitment events and networking opportunities.
- Promote anonymous recruitment to foster diversity.
- Provide information and support to employers regarding international hires.
- Encourage companies to adopt immigrant-friendly recruitment practices.
- Support immigrant entrepreneurship through counseling, training, and networking.
Goal 4: Cultural Coexistence and Integration
Promote intercultural interaction and social inclusion.
- Implement international projects in schools to enhance cultural understanding.
- Encourage municipalities and organizations to host multicultural events and leisure activities.
- Leverage local cultural life to enhance regional appeal and ensure event information is available in English.
- Promote volunteer opportunities for immigrants in local communities.
- Establish mentorship programs where locals support immigrants.