Bilateral Exchange: Finland & Italy Strengthening Growth

As part of the LOTTI project, stakeholders from Päijät-Häme, Finland, and Apulia, Italy, gathered to exchange insights on circular economy, sustainable energy, and community development. Despite differences in climate and industry, both regions share challenges in rural sustainability, economic transition, and social inclusion.

Hämeenkoski: Strengthening Rural Identity Through Digitalization

In Finland, the Kosken Kohinat digital platform fosters community engagement and local identity preservation by:

• Providing a shared event calendar for better coordination.
• Hosting digital archives of historical materials and oral histories.
• Offering a communication hub for local businesses and organizations.

This initiative showcases how digital tools help maintain social cohesion despite municipal restructuring.

Apulia: Revitalizing Urban Spaces Through Social Innovation

In Brindisi, Italy, the Palazzo Guerrieri initiative supports social entrepreneurship through:

• Free co-working spaces for students and entrepreneurs.
• Public-private partnerships ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Incubator programs for digital nomads and tech startups.

This model highlights how repurposed urban spaces can foster economic resilience while preserving cultural heritage.

Key contributions included:

• Social Innovation and Good Practices: Hämeenkoski’s Kosken Kohinat project was discussed as a model for enhancing community connectivity and preserving historical archives.
• Industrial Transition and Social Inclusion in Puglia: The Cube incubator and Palazzo Guerrieri initiatives were presented as examples of fostering social innovation and economic resilience.
• Challenges of Merging Municipalities: The need for strategies to maintain local identity in weaker areas was emphasized, particularly in the face of demographic decline.
• Digitalization and Local Identity: The role of digital platforms in enhancing engagement, identity, and local participation was explored, with references to the AI-generated policy recommendations.
• Nomadic Work Opportunities: Brindisi’s initiative to attract digital nomads through co-working and alternative living arrangements was discussed.
• Sustainability and Green Transition: Further discussions were requested on sustainable energy practices and how digital transformation can support these efforts.

By sharing these experiences, the LOTTI project facilitates knowledge transfer and strengthens European cooperation in regional development. Future collaborations could explore expanding digital literacy programs, fostering entrepreneurship in rural areas, and scaling sustainable urban initiatives across regions.

This bilateral exchange underscores the power of local initiatives in shaping resilient, future-proof communities while reinforcing Finland and Italy’s commitment to regional innovation and sustainability.