– The key themes of the project activities give our partners an idea of the topics that are worth approaching in terms of cooperation projects, says Riina Hiipakka-Lahti, Development Manager at the Project Office.
In addition to a key theme, all large-scale, city-level projects must include at least one of the perspectives emphasized by EU funders. These include data-driven and digital solutions, expertise and learning, safety, and internationality and multiculturalism.
According to Hiipakka-Lahti, the agreed key themes also help the project office to focus its resources on monitoring relevant funding applications.
– In addition, the aim of strengthening strategic guidance is to support the growth of external funding and improve the quality of project activities, says Strategy Manager Nina Mustikkamäki.
The key themes of project activities are based on the city's strategy, the regional strategy, and the guidelines of EU funding programs, and their aim is to support long-term and effective development work.
The city's first strategic priorities for project activities were approved by the Group CEO's management team, which will continue to serve as the strategic management team for project activities.
According to Group Director Juha Yli-Rajala, Tampere is known as a pioneer and trendsetter, and these changes will support that development.
– It is important that the city's development as a whole becomes more visible through the work of the management team and the spearheads. We need project-based development so that we can simultaneously strengthen the development of our statutory functions and promote future-oriented innovations, emphasizes Yli-Rajala.
The structure of project preparation work has also been reformed. The bodies responsible for project development in the city's various service areas have been brought together in a preparatory group, whose aim is to increase cross-service area discussion and reduce duplication of work.
Service areas can refine their own themes based on common guidelines, i.e., key themes for project activities. The key themes will be used in project preparation, funding applications, and strategic management during the 2026–2029 period.
