Strategy follow-up
An inclusive and evolving strategy cannot be limited to preparing the strategy document. There must be a sustained process that brings together the assessments of companies and developers regarding the implementation, direction of development and needs. This will be achieved during the strategy period through follow-up and evaluation seminars organised with partners. Regional vitality indicators (see Figure 9) will be monitored to support the follow-up and evaluation seminars. These will be used as a basis for evaluating whether the strategy measures will suffice.
In addition, the activities of the key implementer, Business Tampere, will be focused and evaluated through annual contracts drawn up with funders. They include annual plans and evaluation criteria, which will be used to monitor the trends in the city region. The Economy in the Tampere Region report and the Situational Picture of Innovation in Tampere Region serve the same purpose.
Implementing the strategy
Solid and seamless cooperation and a clear division of tasks between the economic development units of municipalities and the city region’s economic development agency are vital for implementing the strategy and for the success of all activities. This is why there is an external management team, which includes representatives from the economic management of the owner municipalities and the company management. A second interface is Tampereen kaupunkiseudun yrityspalvelut Oy, which provides, for example, advisory services for new startups.
The economic units of municipalities organise services for businesses in their municipality. These include services connected to business premises and lots, zoning plans, building permits, traffic arrangements and infrastructure. The economic bodies of municipalities have direct knowledge of the local businesses and opportunities to visit them. Through them, the services of the economic development company are accessible to businesses, and the necessary information on local special needs is transmitted to the company.
Business Tampere offers comprehensive electronic services for the needs of the city region. The company is responsible for many of the development entities mentioned in the strategy, such as ecosystem development, investment promotion and regional business marketing.
Afterword
We wish to thank every person and organisation that contributed to the strategy process for their open, broad-minded and constructive contribution and engagement. Our shared passion for the development and prosperity of the Tampere city region is a driving force that will help us realise our shared vision and strategic objectives.