[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”90%” max_width=”1280px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Kvarken region is now on the verge of a \u201cgame changer\u201d \u2013 a true golden opportunity.<\/strong> Several new mega-investments are underway in the region and we probably cannot yet imagine the extent of their impacts.<\/strong> In any case \u2013 we have space, competence, clean nature, and pleasant living environments, and it is here that sunrise industries are now establishing themselves.<\/strong> How can we meet their needs?<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” inline_fonts=”ABeeZee” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n According to the Director of the Kvarken Council, Mr Mathias Lindstr\u00f6m,<\/strong> the new ferry alone is not enough \u2013 the region needs improved accessibility, better infrastructure, and improved connections.<\/p>\n – We\u2019re witnessing something big here, and now we need the courage to make decisions \u2013 courage to build new housing and the necessary infrastructure. The Kvarken region must become even more attractive in order to attract the labour force that will be needed. The Nordic battery belt is already a reality and, in addition to a new ferry and electric aviation, we also need a fixed connection over the Kvarken, Mr Lindstr\u00f6m states.<\/p>\n This fixed connection was discussed already at last year\u2019s festival when Dr Esa Eranti <\/strong>and Mr Antti Talvitie <\/strong>presented their investigation. Both gentlemen attended the festival also this year, even more convinced of the fact that a fixed connection is not only necessary but that it would pay for itself pretty quickly. Dr Eranti, an expert in hydraulic engineering and environmental issues, emphasized the fact that although no negative environmental impacts have been detected at the \u00d8resund Bridge, the environmental debate forms the biggest challenge for the Kvarken connection\u2019s implementation.<\/p>\n – Technically, the connection could be realized in five years, but the investigations that would be required prior to it are time-consuming and should be commenced immediately, he deems.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.kvarken.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Panel-2-1-scaled.jpeg” alt=”Kvarken-Destinations-1066 (1)” title_text=”Panel 2 1″ _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Bildtext” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Panel discussion on the importance of good connections at the onset of the Nordic battery belt\u2019s realization. From left: Joakim Strand, Richard Carstedt, Paula Erkkil\u00e4, \u00c5sa \u00c5gren Wikstr\u00f6m, Arne Langset and Peter \u00d6stman.<\/em> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” inline_fonts=”ABeeZee” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Alongside the Fixed Link project runs also the Nordic Battery Belt project, and its concept was represented at the festival by Mr<\/strong> Tom Einar Jensen,<\/strong> CEO of FREYR. Two days prior, FREYR had revealed its intent to establish a factory in Vaasa to complement its factories that will be built in Mo i Rana, Norway.<\/p>\n – I look forward to establishing profound cooperation with actors in Finland \u2013 the Nordic region will become an epicentre for a new industrial cluster that contributes to a more balanced existence with nature in the long run. It\u2019s all about circular economy and reaching climate targets, Mr Jensen explains.<\/p>\n Mr Anders Ahnlid<\/strong>, Director-General at Sweden\u2019s National Board of Trade, appreciates the \u201clet\u2019s do it\u201d attitude that exists in the region and promotes the mindset that anything is possible.<\/p>\n – It\u2019s time to re-establish our Nordic collaboration that took a little bruising from the pandemic and render it even stronger. We have everything to gain from strengthening it further, he states.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” inline_fonts=”ABeeZee” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The atmosphere was positive during panel discussions on the challenges the region now faces.<\/strong><\/p>\n – We shouldn\u2019t ask ourselves why to build a bridge over the Kvarken, but instead why shouldn\u2019t we build it. I didn\u2019t personally believe in the endeavor a couple of years ago, but my mind has now changed \u2013 the technology already exists and we also possess fantastic groundwork that we can and should build on \u2013 we only need the courage to make decisions, states Finnish MP Mr Peter \u00d6stman<\/strong>.<\/p>\n – We will face major challenges and naturally overcome them, and we\u2019ll be able to make a difference, says Mr Rickard Carstedt,<\/strong> Chairman of the Regional Development Board in V\u00e4sterbotten, Sweden. He refers to future labour needs, which are predicted to be enormous. The need may arise quickly, as proven by Northvolt\u2019s establishment in Sweden.<\/p>\n Ms \u00c5sa \u00c5gren Wikstr\u00f6m<\/strong>, Vice Chairman of Region V\u00e4sterbotten\u2019s Regional Development Committee, agrees: – Our region now has the opportunity to do its part and solve some of the global climate problems, and there is great value in this work \u2013 but infrastructural preconditions are needed in order to succeed.<\/p>\n Mr Arne Langset<\/strong> offered a Norwegian perspective and said that joint strategies are needed for what lies ahead.<\/p>\n \u2013 We are a region spanning three countries, and a new and joint labour market will now be created. This means that not only will we need joint infrastructure investments but also joint recruitment strategies. – We\u2019ll see to that the best competence wants to come to our region and stay here. However, the building of relations and trust requires physical encounters \u2013 which do not take place via Teams \u2013 and good connections are a must.<\/p>\n Text and photos: Anna Sand<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.kvarken.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Kvarkeradet_bildmallar_mailchimp_stora2.jpg” alt=”Kvarken-Destinations-1066 (1)” title_text=”Kvarkeradet_bildmallar_mailchimp_stora2″ _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Bildtext” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Rickard Carstedt, Paula Erkkil\u00e4, Arne Langset, \u00c5sa \u00c5gren Wikstr\u00f6m and Joakim Strand agree on what the Kvarken region needs to utilize its golden opportunity.<\/em> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you missed out, don\u2019t worry!\u00a0You will find the webinar recording\u00a0HERE<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
– Regional development is the main reason why it\u2019s needed, along with the fact that many areas in Finland lack good connections to European and international markets. A fixed connection would benefit all three countries \u2013 not just Finland and Sweden but also Norway, Mr Talvitie points out.<\/p>\n
Photo: Anna Sand \/ bySand<\/em><\/p>\n
– Technology is largely about uniting people, of encounters, which is why connections are of crucial importance.
Ms Paula Erkkil\u00e4<\/strong>, Director of the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce, continues:<\/p>\n
Finnish MP Mr Joakim Strand<\/strong> agrees and wounds up the discussion:<\/p>\n
Photo: Anna Sand \/ bySand<\/em><\/p>\n