My Oulu: Mirja Vehkaperä Co-Chairs Living-in.EU Digital Assembly in Brussels, bringing Oulu’s digital innovation to the forefront

The Living-in.EU initiative, launched in 2019, supports local, regional, and national governments in using digital technology to meet sustainability and climate neutrality objectives. With over 177 signatories, it is a unique platform for multi-level governance in digital transformation. As a co-chair alongside Mayor Lluïsa Moret i Sabidó, Mirja Vehkaperä brings the perspective of a city deeply committed to digitalization and innovation.

The discussions at the 2024 assembly focus on fostering technological innovation and ensuring a people-centered digital transformation—two areas where Oulu excels. Vehkaperä emphasizes how Oulu’s approach can serve as a model for other regions.

”Collaboration with shared vision and goals is our recipe for success; we call it the ’Oulu way’ of doing things. Oulu’s success is built on its innovation ecosystem, particularly the Oulu Innovation Alliance, which connects universities, research institutions, businesses, and the city. This ecosystem acts as an incubator for cutting-edge digital solutions, creating opportunities to test and pilot new technologies in real-world environments. This approach reflects our belief that digitalization should serve the community while offering opportunities for growth and development”, Vehkaperä explains.

The benefit of outcome is clear: residents enjoy improved public services, while businesses gain a unique opportunity to test their services and scale up viable products. This not only drives the adoption of digital solutions that make everyday life more efficient and connected but also stimulates local and regional economic growth.

”This approach not only strengthens our local economy but also contributes to the broader goals of the Living-in.EU network, promoting sustainable digital transformation across Europe. This network exists, so that we can learn best practices from each other”, Vehkaperä assures.

Oulu is among six finalists in The European Capital of Innovation awards

Vehkaperä’s pride in Oulu’s achievements is well-founded. The city is competing with Braga (Portugal) and Linz (Austria) for the title of the most innovative European city in the category of cities with fewer than 250,000 inhabitants. The winner of the European Innovation Capital 2024 competition will be announced on November 13 in Lisbon.

The European Capital of Innovation Awards has, for a decade, recognized cities that demonstrate excellence in promoting innovation to improve citizens’ lives. Oulu’s application highlighted its focus on tailoring innovation activities for various age groups, from young children to the elderly. This recognition emphasizes Oulu’s role as a pioneer in creating a dynamic ecosystem that blends technology with community well-being.

Reflecting on the jury’s feedback, Vehkaperä shares:

“Oulu stands out as a city where innovation and nature coexist. It fosters an atmosphere of innovation driven by curiosity and a commitment to enhancing citizens’ lives. The city’s efforts have centred on integrating advanced technology with a strong sense of community, creating an environment where both progress and quality of life thrive,” she says.

As a finalist in the iCapital Awards, Oulu joins an elite group of European cities that set the benchmark for innovation. With the support of the Living-in.EU network, Vehkaperä is poised to lead discussions that will shape the future of digital transformation across Europe, ensuring that cities like Oulu continue to prosper in an increasingly digital world.