The key industries of Kainuu have been defined on the regional plan and regional programme (Kainuu Programme).  They are based on the region’s permanent advantages, natural resources and their sustainable utilization into products and services, as well as on the strong know-how. The key industries have great growth potential for both the domestic market and export. 

The key industries receive special attention among the development activities. However, regardless of industry, development resources are directed to the most effective areas in terms of regional development and in line with the jointly agreed goals of the Kainuu programme.

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Tourism

Tourism is an important economy in Kainuu: the region’s tourism industry is the third biggest in Finland after Lapland and the Åland Islands.

There is a wide range of culture, sports, well-being services and restaurants for tourists around the year as well as opportunities to explore local history and lifestyle in authentic environments.

Until now, the tourism volume of the region has mainly been based on domestic tourism, but Kainuu has good conditions for the growth of tourism also among the international tourists. Sustainable growth will be actively sought in international tourism.

Our contact person for tourism: Minna Komulainen

Technoogy Industry

Technology Industry

The technology industry accounts for a remarkable share of Kainuu’s total exports, and it is one of the biggest employers in the region.

Kainuu’s technology companies specialize in information and communications technology (ICT), electrical appliances and electronic devices, vehicles, machinery and equipment as well as metals. Supercomputing, data centre ecosystem and gaming industry are the latest success stories of Kainuu.

Our contact person for technology industry: Paula Karppinen

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Bio-economy

Bio-economy is the largest private-sector industry in Kainuu in terms of turnover and human resources. The region’s ample natural resources and skilled labour provide opportunities for increasing both domestic and international demand and promoting local production, such as wood construction, local energy and locally sourced food. The most significant investment goal of Kainuu is found from the bio-economy sector; building and operating the KaiCell Fibers Ltd state-of-the-art pulp and bioproducts mill in Paltamo.

Our contact person for bio-economy: Jouni Ponnikas.

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Sustainable Mining and Chemical Industry

Kainuu is a mining region. Mining activities are of great importance to the region’s employment and economy. Sustainable mining is a goal now and also in the future, along with increasing the number of operations and production, going hand in hand with  research and development work and education, strengthening cooperation with the national and international networks. The mining industry in Kainuu consists of four mines as well as a number of micro-enterprises that supply natural stone. The extractive industry and the industries that serve it are of great importance to Kainuu’s employment and well-being.

Our contact person for Sustainable Mining and Chemical Industry: Eero Vilhu