Responsibility for regional development
Pursuant to the Act on regional development (1651/2009), regional councils serve as regional development authorities. The purpose of the act is to promote sustainable and balanced self-development of the regions in Finland.
The regional council is responsible for the general regional policy planning and programmes within the region and in part also for the implementation of the programmes and the international connections involved.
To this end, regional councils:
Draw up regional development plans (the regional scheme, the regional programme and its implementation plan), which coordinate regional development measures of its member local authorities and those of State regional administrative authorities.
Propose goals for the development of the region's transport network structure and other infrastructure.
Improve economic structure to stimulate and safeguard businesses and jobs.
Participate in taking and implementing financing decisions concerning national and EU projects.
Improve the competence environment of different occupations.
The Council draws up the plans and programmes together with central and local government authorities and enterprises and associations operating in the region. In drawing up the programmes, the council takes account of the development objectives and strategies presented in the regional scheme, regional and business policy objectives and the environmental impact of the programmes.
The plans and programmes of regional councils have mandatory legal consequences. Local and national government authorities must take account of the council's plans and programmes in their own operative and other action.
Programme-based regional policy can also be implemented together with industry, enterprises, civic organisations and the third sector. The action is planned with the special characteristics of the region in mind.