Strategic positioning of municipalities during administrative restructuring and sustainability transition: A case study of South Savo

Finnish municipalities are currently facing two major transitions. First, the suitability transition requires various actions from municipalities. Secondly, administrative restructuring arising from the Health and Social Services Reform urges municipalities to reconsider their tasks and roles. The aim of the project is to provide support to municipalities in South Savo to navigate through these significant changes.

The main objective of this project is to collect information on the strategic positioning of municipalities during these major transitions by obtaining insights from local decision-makers. The project also aims to gather information on the threats and opportunities that arise from the these major changes. Furthermore, the project endeavors to create future trajectories that extend up to 2030. Additionally, the project seeks to foster collaboration between university actors and municipalities.

During the project, information is collected through interviews and future workshops. In addition, document analysis is carried out, focusing on strategic documents related to administrative and sustainability changes, as well as utilizing other future materials related to municipalities. Interviews and document analysis serve as a basis for future workshops, where discussions are created between municipalities and the future impact of changes is mapped out.

The project is funded by the South Savo Regional Council.