Kainuu East Project Centre
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The project was to organise a training to familiarise the participants with the application and management processes of EU projects directed to the East. The project was intended to function by establishing a two-person support unit in conjunction with Kainuun Etu Oy.

Main activities

• Creation of cooperation networks through training trips to Russian Karelia and St.Petersburg and Brussels, • Arrangement of East Project Centre seminars in Kajaani and an East Project Afternoon in Petrozavodsk, • Training of participants in planning and completing project applications.

Achievements

Training trips to Russian Karelia gave Finnish and Russian actors an opportunity to get to know each other and create cooperation plans. Contacts were made and a more extensive understanding of EU project activity was obtained through trips to St. Petersburg and Brussels. The project was also responsible for arranging East Project Centre seminars in Kajaani and an East Project Afternoon in Petrozavodsk. Actors from Kainuu were able to establish new connections to their counterparts in Russian Karelia and form partnerships. The participants ultimately differed from the planned target group and passivity affected attendance. According to an applicant, this was partly affected by the preparation work of the regional self-government experiment in Kainuu that started during the project. Due to the lack of attendance, the third training section had to be cancelled. In contrast, customized advisory services were in high demand. As a result of the project, interest toward Russia and projects to be implemented in Russia increased in Kainuu. The activities have not been continued in the same form after the project. However, Kainuun Etu Oy continues to support the development of the industry structure and assists the companies in key industries (ICT, electronics, metal, adventure tourism services, food, wood and the natural stone and mining industry) to develop their business expertise, competitiveness, growth and cooperation. In addition, it provides assistance in developing key clusters and their operational prerequisites.