See the photos from the Summit here.

To mark the occasion Lene Espersen, BDF Chairwoman opened the mornings programme, reiterating the optimistic key messages from two new reports released by BDF at the Summit; that the Baltic Sea Region continues to be one of the most integrated and dynamic regions in the EU and globally, and the potential of the predominantly small, open economies is huge, despite growing global challenges.

Politics across the Region

Per Carlsen set the scene for the new Political State of the Region report focusing on the concept of a ‘flexible Europe’ and its prospects for the BSR. Joined by two of the report’s authors, Dr Jana Puglierin and Igor Gretskiy, the reports main points were presented, from growing Euroscepticism – even in the political rock that is Germany, to flexible Europe – a Europe running at different speeds, diverging strategic security questions and Russia’s view on recent developments. Taking the report as point of departure a more than qualified panel debated the finer details including Andrius Kubilius, Andris Piebalgs, Vygaudas Usackas, Anders Åslund and Prof. Zaneta Ozolina. In addition, the need to support Ukraine was raised, not forgetting the refugee situation to the south, and a wider perspective on important EU topics including, aging populations and too little attention granted to education. Support for the PSORR to continue in 2019 was voiced with political foundation Konrad Adenauer Stiftung promising its funding for the next edition.

BSR Economies are strong but definite tests ahead

Dr David Skilling, author of the commissioned report ‘The Baltic Sea Region Economies: Progress and Priorities’ kicked off the second half of the summit with a fascinating display of data. It showcased the Baltic countries rise, to a level now on par with the Nordic block. Looking ahead Dr Skilling noted the threat of an agile Chinese economy, an aging Baltic demographic, a flattening of productivity growth, and innovation, education and skills disparities as some of the economic priorities to address in the immediate future. A panel consisting of Thomas Wrangdahl, Kaarel Ots and Jukka Luukkanen presented their comments to the report.

What’s next for the Baltic Sea Region? 

A fitting end to the Summit and BDF’s engagement in the region, President of Estonia H.E Kersti Kaljulaid began by thanking BDF and Uffe Ellemann-Jensen specifically for providing a platform to connect, discuss and drive new thinking across and between the region’s countries. She noted, as a young governmental aid, the influence BDF events had on her thinking and the broadening of perspectives of participants throughout the numerous activities that BDF have hosted throughout the years. Looking to the future, it is the task of other collaborators to take the torch and promote a connected and strong BSR region.

The final word fell to BDF founder Uffe Ellemann-Jensen. He recalled stories from previous years summits, the ups and downs in Russian relations, the motivations and will that led to BDF’s mission, and a renewed call for further work to strengthen cooperation between the BSR countries at a time when threats loom at the region’s doorstep as much as further afield. Uffe Ellemann-Jensen suggested that although BDF’s operations have drawn to an end, the region continues and a new agenda must be conceived to progress the BSR. Whether that’s a continued and consolidated BSR programme, or a BSR 2.0, the fact remains there is still plenty of work to be done.

Thank you to all for making the 20^th BDF Summit a memorable event and platform for connecting across countries. See the photos from the Summit here.

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20 years after the establishment of Baltic Development Forum, the Baltic Sea Region has developed into one of the most integrated regions in EU and globally. The exchange across-borders – politically, economically, and commercially – is taking place naturally. Many of the barriers and challenges have been overcome or significantly reduced, not least thanks to the accession of the Baltic States and Poland to the EU.

BDF has to a significant degree been part of and contributed to this development through BDF´s many activities and cooperation with regional partners. With the growing integration of the region, BDF´s vision to create one of the most dynamic regions in EU and globally has come through.

On this basis, BDF´s board has decided to cease BDF´s activities in connection to BDF´s 20^th anniversary in 2018 which will be celebrated at the up-coming 20^th BDF Summit held on 4^th June 2018 in Tallinn.

BDF is widely recognized as a leading international think tank and cooperation platform in the Baltic Sea Region. BDF´ has helped to lay the foundations for continued regional cooperation with many potentials still to be reached. It is the hope of BDF’s board that the legacy of the organization will inspire others to drive forward Baltic Sea Region cooperation. Even if BDF does not continue, the region will continue to develop as a model for regional integration and an inspiration for other macro-regions across the EU.

The board of BDF is very proud of the contribution made by BDF and our highly engaged staff over the last 20 years. We hope that many will join us for the celebration of BDF´s 20^th anniversary at the up-coming 20^th BDF Summit in Tallinn in June, an opportunity to thank our committed partners all over the region and beyond.

BDF will continue its current planned activities until 31 July 2018. Beyond that date please contact Jens Lauridsen, jl@bdforum.org for any inquiry.

On behalf of the BDF board,

Lene Espersen

Chairman

For more information or questions, please contact Director Flemming Stender by email fs@bdforum.org

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In his introductory keynote VP Ansip highlighted the fact that even though the region is well placed to embrace digital technological progress and thrive on it, there are still substantial differences between countries that are holding back regional progress. National and regional digital divides should not expand further if we are to build a functioning Digital Single Market across Europe. The EUSBSR can help in this process.

Professor Martin Andersson gave a snapshot of the digital performance of the BSR based on the State of the Digital Region reports from think tank Top of Digital Europe. The countries are leading within different indicators which gives potential for learning from each other via transnational digital collaboration and building a bottom-up complement to the DSM.

Inspired by the two keynotes, the panel discussed how the region can stay at the top of digital industries and innovation and at the same time narrowing the internal gaps. Vice Minister Okonski highlighted key digital priorities of Poland: Cross border data transfer and standards; AI; e-government solutions and cybersecurity. Important to bridge the gaps between east and west, north and south. Åsa Zetterberg, Sweden’s GDO, emphasized that the BSR countries share the same challenges and cannot afford to develop their own individual solutions without collaborating on the right spots, with Nordic-Baltic MR Digital as an example. Katariina Ora, Microsoft, pointed at the high education level and tech understanding – and a fairly predictable political climate – when explaining the tech industry’s interest in the region. Jessica Blechingberg asked for better housing and integration facilities for talents as prerequisites for a continued strong talent attraction that favours the strong Nordic-Baltic start-up scene. Among many burning issues and ideas that were highlighted during the debate was the need to spread and duplicate successful bilateral cross-border projects (e.g. FIN-EE) to other national borders in the BSR: The need for mutual learning.       

More information on the plenary, and or contact for digital issues can be address to Head of Digital and Public Affairs, Torben Aaberg: ta@bdforum.org

The post A Coherent Digital Baltic Sea Region – EUSBSR 9th Annual Forum appeared first on Baltic Development Forum.

The report is available here

Report Summary

Over the past two decades, the Baltic Sea Region – from the Baltic states to the Nordics – has developed into an integrated, high performing economic region.  It is called the ‘top of Europe’ for a good reason.

The Baltic Sea Region economies have performed strongly since 2000, out-pacing many of their European peers.  As a group, they have averaged a GDP growth rate of 2.7% relative to 1.6% for the EU28 as a whole. 

And even in a challenging post-crisis environment, the Baltic Sea Region economies have performed well – growing faster than many other crisis-hit European economies, as well as the broader EU group.

This growth performance has been led by very strong growth rates by the lower income Baltic Sea Region economies.  On average, the Baltic states have grown at close to 4% since 2000.  This has enabled a process of strong income convergence.   Within the Baltic Sea Region, the gap between the per capita GDP of the bottom three countries and the top has reduced from a multiple of about 4.5 in 2000 to a multiple of about 2.5 today.

And the strength of this convergence process has out-paced other parts of Europe.  For example, the three Baltic states moved from an average of 30% of the EU 15 average income in 1995 to 60% today (on a PPP basis), more rapidly than the small central and eastern European transition economies that moved from 45% to 60% of the EU  average. 

Deepening integration within the Baltic Sea Region has been integral to the economic success of the region.  Over the past two decades, there has been substantial growth in cross-border flows of goods and services, capital, firms and people.  Regional connectivity has also been strengthened in multiple ways, from infrastructure to regional institutions.

This regional integration has supported the integration of Baltic Sea Region economies into the broader European economy.  This has allowed the lower income members of the Baltic Sea Region to more effectively take advantage of the opportunities of the Single Market. 

Looking forward

The Baltic Sea Region economies continue to perform well, and the near-term outlook is positive.  The global economic recovery, and the return of world trade growth since the end of 2016, has been a positive factor for the open economies of the region.

But there are several emerging challenges and opportunities that these economies will need to respond to in order to sustain this recent performance.  For one thing, many Baltic Sea Region economies are facing aging populations. A greater contribution will be required from labour productivity growth – and at a time when productivity catch-up gains are less available because the Baltic Sea Region economies are closer to the income frontier.

In addition, the open economies of the Baltic Sea Region will need to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities in the global economy.  First, there is rapidly increasing global competition – which means that the Baltic Sea Region economies will need to work to sustain a competitive edge.  China’s global export share has risen from 3% to 10% since 2000, and it is increasingly moving into knowledge intensive activities in which several Baltic Sea Region economies have traditionally had an advantage.  There are many new sources of competition.

Second, the global economic and political environment that has supported Baltic Sea Region growth is facing a series of risks – from protectionism, to the weaponisation of international commerce through sanctions, to heightened geopolitical uncertainty.  Open economies are deeply exposed to these dynamics.  Many Baltic Sea Region economies were impacted by the Russian sanctions, for example, and are exposed to the threats of further protectionist measures.

And third, disruptive technologies such as automation and AI are bringing a series of new growth opportunities as well as the potential to disrupt labour markets and economies.  There are clear opportunities in terms of productivity, which will overcome the negative impact of aging populations and high labour costs across the region.  But capturing value from these technologies will require significant investments in skills and in new business models.

Actions to take

In response, there are three types of action that are important for the Baltic Sea Region economies.  First, of course, policies to improve national competitiveness and to position individual Baltic Sea Region economies to respond to increasingly intense global competition and disruptive technologies.  This will involve ongoing investments in research, innovation and human capital; reform of labour markets and social insurance; fiscal discipline; and maintaining an external orientation.  There needs to be an intense focus on lifting labour productivity.

Second, actions to further strengthen integration in the region and to respond to new opportunities, such as the potential to lead deeper connections between Europe and Asia.  For example, the emergence of the Arctic Route offers many new opportunities to the region.  It is instructive that many of the Baltic Sea Region economies are in the lead in Europe in terms of developing economic relationships with China and other parts of Asia. 

Third, acting to develop a coherent voice on regional and global issues of common concern.  There is some evidence that this is beginning to happen.  For example, the recent joint statement from the Finance Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, as well as Ireland and the Netherlands – the so-called ‘Hanseatic League 2.0’ – on issues relating to European reform.  As existing regional and international institutions come under stress, the Baltic Sea Region economies will need to think creatively about establishing new platforms.

The international economic and political environment is changing rapidly, and this will have a meaningful impact on the open economies of the Baltic Sea Region.  In order for these economies to sustain their ‘top of Europe’ performance, determined efforts will be required at home and abroad.

The report is available here

The post The Baltic Sea Region Economies: Progress and Priorities Launched at BDF Summit 2018 appeared first on Baltic Development Forum.

How can rural areas utilize the digital revolution?

Digital Transformation in Rural Areas

The seminar, organized by BDF, Region Zealand and Interreg BSR project “BSR Stars S3” explored different approaches and experiences with digital transformation in rural areas, building on local strongholds and connecting urban and rural areas in the Fehmarnbelt region. Digitalization provides challenges as well as opportunities for rural areas and smaller towns. A key opportunity is the possibility to act local while ensuring global outreach building on local advantages, competences and social networks. Capacity building initiatives can help local business to develop and implement effective e-business models.

The seminar discussed how to encourage digital growth in rural areas and what kind of initiatives and policies can help local businesses achieve a successful digital transformation. What can entrepreneurs do? What can authorities do? What are good examples to learn from?

The seminar was inspired by activities co-organised by BDF and reported in a policy brief published within the project BSR Stars S3: http://www.bsr-stars.eu/news/policy-brief-of-inclusive-digitalisation-in-the-baltic-sea-region/

Speakers and panelists were: Heino Knudsen, Chair of Regional Council, Region Zealand, Chair of Greater Copenhagen & Skåne Committee; Dolores Öhman, Member of Region Council, Region Skåne; Hanne W. Tanvig, Senior Adviser, University of Copenhagen; Per Tryding, Deputy CEO Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Sweden; Sarah Brühl, Project Coordinator, Digital Villages, Municipality of Betzdorf Gebhardshain, Germany; Helena Kurki, Project Manager, Innovation Center for Rural Areas, Sjöbo, Sweden; Evan Lynnerup Olesen, Member of Regional Council, Region Zealand; David Meinke, Development Manager, Region Zealand; Torben Aaberg, Head of Public & Digital Affairs, BDF.

How can cities work with digitalization – and cooperate with other cities?

Digitalization from an urban perspective

Digitization is changing all municipal processes and redefines relations between city and society as well as city and region.

The seminar, organized by Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) and BDF, dived into some of the challenges and opportunities that occur for cities as digitalization processes increasingly integrate all sectors of city administration, planning & operations. Inspired by inputs from State of the Digital Region by Top of Digital Europe and based on different examples of how a city can work comprehensively with digitalization and digital processes, the seminar discussed how cities can collaborate on digitalization issues and overcome barriers given the fact that cities compete to attract and retain new digital industries and labour. The EU initiative “Digital Cities Challenge” was introduced as an example of how the European Commission wants to encourage city experiments and mutual learning in this area.

Speakers and panelists were: Wolfgang Schmidt, City of Kiel & Chairman UBC SPCC; Torben Aaberg, Head of Public & Digital Affairs, BDF; Pernilla Johansson, Chief Economist, Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Southern Sweden; Maria Stellinger Ernblad, CIO, City of Malmö; Charlotta Alegria Ursing, CEO, Minc incubator Malmö; Thomas Jacob, Senate Chancellery, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg; Carsten Adamsen, UBC Youthful Cities Commission; Pärtel-Peeter Pere, CEO, Future Place Leadership.

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The post Fehmarnbelt Days 2018 – Urban & Rural Digitalization appeared first on Baltic Development Forum.

The workshop was primarily planned as a platform for sharing best marketing practices among the IRECs, for exchanging challenges on reaching out to the main target groups and for exploring a joint marketing approach for the upcoming 3^rd Call for company applications. The workshop included discussions on what industries the IRECs should primarily focus on, what other regional organisations they should team up to jointly develop the collaborative actions aimed at business outreach, and how to improve a dialogue with the multipliers and their networks.

Besides the dynamic discussions on marketing strategies, IRECs had a chance to discuss how the IRECs network could sustain in the future, how to keep the existing network and its accumulated competence and network stock beyond the projects end. The business modelling dimension of the IRECs dialogue has a solid basis but requires further upgrade and the joining of forces. The discussions also covered financial issues, the revenue structure of the Network of IReCs, funding mechanisms and pricing policies of the network.

During the two working days Vaeksthus Copenhagen and the LINX Association joined the discussions and inspired the participants by sharing their valuable experiences on business outreach and insightful ideas on the IREC’s future.

For more information, please contact Viktoria Nilsson, vn@bdforum.org or Sari Stenvall-Virtanen, sarsten@utu.fi 

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Registration for the BDF Summit opens on 16^th April together with registration for the 9^th EUSBSR Annual Forum. Please use the google doc to register your place. A confirmation will be sent to you thereafter.

Register here

View the 2018 Summit Programme here

We are proud to extend an invitation to join the Baltic Development Forum’s 20^th Annual Summit. As with previous Summits, we hope to have a full and diverse range of participants to hear and engage in cutting edge discussions on the Baltic Sea Region.

In line with BDF tradition, the Summit discussions will be centered around BDF´s analyses. In Tallinn, two new analyses will be launched by BDF and partners:

In the first part of the Summit, we focus on the political developments inside and outside of the BSR. The 7th edition of the Political State of the Region Report will be presented by the young writers group behind its content. Following its presentation, the report will be discussed by a distinguished panel of renowned political figures and experts. This year´s report looks closer into how the countries in the BSR Region are coming to grips with the development of a more flexible Europe. As previous years, the report has been developed in cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, utalising a number of roundtables held in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Berlin throughout the year. Join the interesting discussions and take home a complimentary copy of the report!

Moving to the second part of the Summit, we will focus on the Region´s economic development from a 20-year perspective. The commissioned report The Baltic Sea Region Economies: Progress & Priorities – A 20 Year Perspective looks at the region´s performance and integration of policy, identifying potentials and challenges, and suggesting concrete action for the future. The report has been developed in cooperation with Landfall Strategy Group and with support from the Nordic Investment Bank. The report will be discussed by a panel of economic experts from the region. Listen to their insights and pick up a copy of the report!

We will also use the occasion of BDF´s 20^th anniversary, and final Summit, for a moment of celebration as we go down memory lane looking back on 20 years of achievements and results.

Our founder and honorary chairman Uffe Ellemann-Jensen will give his perspective on the BSR Region as we say a final goodbye. Don´t miss this moment!

We are looking forward to welcoming you, and to thank all our good partners, sponsors and cooperation partners for the many years of fantastic cooperation.

BDF at the 9th EUSBSR Annual Forum

As part of the 9^th EU Annual Forum, BDF is organizing a high-level plenary session focusing in the Digital Baltic Sea Region. This session includes a keynote by Vice President Andrus Ansip, European Commission, followed by introduction to the “State of the Digital Region” report, to be discussed by a panel of political and business representatives.

How to register?

Registration for the BDF Summit opens on 16^th April together with registration for the 9^th EUSBSR Annual Forum. Please use the google doc to register your place. A confirmation will be sent to you thereafter.

Register here

View the 2018 Summit Programme here

For any inquiries, please contact Christopher Reeves, cr@bdforum.org

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This year, Fehmarnbelt Days is organized in Malmö, Sweden, 28-29 May 2018. On the 2^nd day BDF will co-organise two seminars on different aspects of digitalization and the digital economy:

“Digital Transformation in Rural Areas”, co-organised with Region Zealand and EU Interreg project “BSR Stars S3”, will explore how to promote a successful digital transformation in rural areas by building on local strongholds and connecting urban and rural areas. Inspired by examples of what has been done, politicians, business and experts will discuss how to take next steps.

“Digitalization from an urban perspective: Potentials through city collaboration and regionalization“, co-organised with Union of Baltic Cities, will present and discuss examples of how cities can work with digitalization and successfully collaborate with other cities on these topics. A panel of cities and experts will explore opportunities and topics for future collaborations across the region and beyond.

Check Fehmarnbelt Days programme and register here. The event is free to attend.

Further information: Torben Aaberg, Head of Public & Digital Affairs, BDF, ta@bdforum.org

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Background:

The project Urban Eco-Cluster aims to jointly address environment and climate issues by developing a concept of ecological cluster based on open innovation approach, by arranging educational trip and providing opportunity for learning best experiences in Nordic countries.

The project targets Northwest Russia primarily, it’s intensified work on improving climate change adaptation tools and methodologies. The initiative stresses strengthening the dialogue partners in Northwest Russia and the Nordic countries in the field of environment and climate through the Programme for Environment and Climate Co-operation (“PECC”). Furthermore, the initiative underlines the importance of the NW Russia’s and the Nordic countries’ joint endeavour in addressing the development of a low carbon economy, generating economic and social innovation, and jobs.

The Urban Eco-Cluster overall objective is to contribute to Sustainable Agenda 2030 in the Baltic Sea Region by fostering cooperation and adaptation of the best practice Nordic Eco Innovation Cluster Models and climate change policy instruments in the NW Russian Cities. This proposal sets out a plan to accelerate the development of connected urban climate innovation clusters. The project will provide a framework for the city of St. Petersburg to improve their capacity in understanding the problems incurred by climate change and the most optimal solutions applied.

Partnership:

The project covers less than one year of activities jointly developed by Baltic Development Forum, Climate-KIC ApS, St. Petersburg City/ Committee for Nature Use, Environmental Protection and Ecological Safety and State Company “Mineral”.

Funding:

The project is funded with a PECC Grant financed by Nordic Council of Ministers and The Barents Hot Spots Facility (BHSF) with Nordic Environment Finance Corporation(NEFCO) as fund manager.

For more information, contact Viktoria Nilsson, Head of Business Development vn@bdforum.org

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Wednesday 21st March 13:30 -16:00

Eigtveds Pakhus, Asiatisk Plads 2, Sal III

BDF is proud to invite our network to celebrate with us the 100 years independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Collaborating with the respective embassies in Denmark we will host a celebratory seminar, focusing on youth engagement in the Baltic Sea Region and strengthened cooperation between Nordic and Baltic States. Join us to hear BDF Founder Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen, Ambassador of Lithuania Ginte Damusis and a panel of Baltic Members of Parliament and prominent academics discuss the topics before a glass and Baltic specialties to mark the historic occasion.

The event is open to all, but please register your attendance at: bdf@bdforum.org

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