Miten maakuntastrategia luodaan verkostona? Case Varsinais-Suomen liitto | Salla-Maria Lauttamäki | #16

Regional development relies on trust-based cooperation and long-term strategic networking rather than top-down mandates. Salla-Maria Lauttamäki, Head of Development at the Regional Council of Southwest Finland, explains that effective regional strategy requires acting as a neutral coordinator to align diverse stakeholders, including municipalities, businesses, and universities. Successful collaboration shifts from fragmented, project-based efforts to continuous, organic networks that prioritize shared goals over individual interests. Managing these complex systems demands patience, as building trust and common situational awareness takes time. By fostering active engagement through developer forums and public commitments, organizations can transform abstract strategies into concrete, collective action. This approach emphasizes that while coordination provides the necessary structure, the true power of regional development lies in empowering participants to take ownership of their roles within a broader, interconnected ecosystem.