Regional Council of South Karelia is an organisation for regional development and land use planning. Regional councils in Finland serve as regional development authorities, having two main functions laid down by law: regional development and regional land use planning. The office of the Regional Council of South Karelia works for the advantage of the South Karelia region, its municipalities and people. The main task regarding regional development is to draw up regional development plans and to coordinate regional development measures of its member local authorities and those of the State regional administrative authorities. Regional Councils are largely responsible for the EU's Structural Fund programmes and their implementation. Our strategic choices for the years 2026-2029 include capitalisation of our region's know-how and seeking new cooperation possibilities based on our region’s strengths, working towards regional resilience and promoting better logistical and digital accessibility.
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Regional Address
Kauppakatu 40 D
53500 Lappeenranta
Finland
S3 Strategy
The Smart Specialisation in South Karelia is built around three key priority areas reflecting regional industrial and institutional history and strengths. South Karelia is a region where large-scale manufacturing industries have a strong role in the regional economy. The Smart Specialisation strategy is included in the regional strategy. The priority areas for 2026-2029 are clean energy solutions, industrial bio and circular economy, and comprehensive security. We accelerate the green transition through developing clean energy technologies for electrification and hydrogen value chains. We also address the societal aspects, such as new consumption patterns and the role of communities as active energy actors. In the bioeconomy and circular economy domain, we invest in developing next-generation biomaterials, industrial symbioses, and resource-efficient systems. We aim to establish an internationally recognised bioeconomy cluster. Comprehensive security has emerged as a cross-cutting priority, driven by increasing demand for resilience, preparedness and dual-use solutions. We support regional industries in adapting to new market opportunities. Human well-being and societal resilience are recognised as essential components of regional competitiveness and security. The Smart specialisation work is supported by a regional, multistakeholder RDI Growth group.
Strategic R&I Projects
Latest Updates
- By Martina Campajola
Strong regions, strong Europe: ERRIN at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026
ERRIN spent the European Week of Regions and Cities moderating sessions, following debates and meeting more than a dozen member delegations. Here is a selection of the moments closest to our priorities, from the EU Missions and the next MFF to talent, culture and competitiveness.
- By Martina Campajola
ERRIN is pleased to welcome the Regional Council of South Karelia as a new member
ERRIN is pleased to welcome the Regional Council of South Karelia as one of its new members for 2026. Based in South-East Finland, the Regional Council of South Karelia is a regional development authority responsible for Smart Specialisation Strategy and regional land use planning, with S3 priorities focused on clean energy solutions, industrial bio and circular economy, and comprehensive security.
- By Eini Arponen
EULiST Make Science Matter Interactive Conference
EULiST is organising the Make Science Matter Interactive Conference in Brussels. The event can also be attended remotely. Organised by EULiST European University Alliance, the conference brings together European policymakers, university leaders and regional innovators to bridge the gap between society and technology. The aim is to demonstrate what can be achieved when policymaking, research and local implementation come together.