Second ERDF project search for ecosystem agreement opens on 15 September

The first European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project search related to ecosystem agreements was in May, and the second application round opens on 15 September. This time approximately EUR 565,000 in funding is being allocated for projects that promote the three objectives defined in the Vaasa Ecosystem Agreement; Vaasa's carbon neutrality 202X, development of the harbour area and development of the research infrastructure. The application ends on 19 October 2022. 

– In May, we received six applications, some of which were group projects. Here in the Vaasa region, we play a strong role in the green transition and in developing emission-free energy solutions. The knowledge is available and the applicants have a good understanding of the goals of the Vaasa ecosystem agreement, says strategy and project specialist Maria Backman from the City of Vaasa. 

With the help of project financing, the region’s most important projects related to new sustainable technologies and sustainable cities can be pushed forward, and a stronger investment can be made in applying for EU funding for the region.

The Vaasa region’s ecosystem agreement focuses on development areas that are based on the top of the EnergyVaasa ecosystem; sustainable and smart energy systems, i.e. smart power grids, marine solutions, sustainable energy production, energy efficiency and energy storage. 

– We are waiting for projects that support Vaasa’s carbon neutrality goals, attractiveness and strengthen the region’s energy expertise and research, says Mayor of Vaasa Tomas Häyry. 

Stefan Råback, who is the CEO of the Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK, states the following: 

– Ecosystem agreements concern the strategic allocation of public and private RDI funding to strengthen globally competitive ecosystems. The agreements develop cooperation networks for innovation activities and at the same time increase the effectiveness of RDI activities. 

The implementation of the ecosystem agreement was launched during the first year with national funding, and investments were made in the GigaVaasa and EnergySampo development packages. 

• See the open applications  

What is the Ecosystem Agreement? 

• The City of Vaasa signed an innovation ecosystem agreement with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland. The agreement covers the years 2021–2027. 
• The ecosystem is a collaborative model that brings together companies, universities, research institutes, investors and other stakeholders in RDI activities to drive innovation, new business and new solutions to improve the wellbeing of residents. Among other areas, the ecosystem will provide unique piloting and testing environments for product and service development. 
• In addition to Vaasa, the other participating cities and towns are Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Joensuu, Kuopio, Jyväskylä, Lappeenranta, Lahti, Pori, Seinäjoki, Mikkeli, Kajaani and Kokkola. 
• Ecosystem agreements allow for even closer cooperation between cities and the state to support research, development and innovation. 
• The purpose of the ecosystem agreement is also to attract more EU money to the region for various development projects and investments. 
• Strategic partners with the City of Vaasa are the Vaasa Region Development Company (VASEK) and Merinova Technology Centre, as well as the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia, the Team Finland network and the region’s universities and business life. 
• Read more about regional development and urban policy on the City of Vaasa website