Baltic Sea Metropolises - Lighthouses of the Region

Metropolises in the Baltic Sea Region are increasingly gathering attention in the region's business community and in the media. Therefore, Baltic Development Forum puts special emphasis on the cooperation between the metropolises and works closely with the network "The Baltic Metropoles" (BaltMet) set up by the City of Copenhagen in October 2002.

BaltMet is a network of the capitals of the countries in the Baltic Sea Region (Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo, Riga, Stockholm, Tallinn, Vilnius and Warsaw  as well as Malmö and St. Petersburg). It was set up in recognition of the importance of the role of major cities in the integration of the region following the enlargement of the EU but more importantly the role as drivers in the economic development in general and the region in particular.

BaltMet and the Baltic Development Forum have a joint mission to position the Baltic Sea Region as a dynamic and prosperous economic frontrunner in Europe and the world.

Following the enlargement of the EU, competition between the many regions in Europe has been intensifying. The cooperation between the metropolises within the Baltic Sea Region is more important than ever. In fact, as a result of the fierce competition between the regions of Europe, the significance of developing strong ties between the metropolises in the region is becoming even more important.

To stand out as cooperating and attractive centres for investments, trade and innovation, the metropolises within the Baltic Sea Region must both in words and in action present themselves as an entity.

The challenge shared by all major cities in the Baltic Sea area and by Baltic Development Forum is to enhance the innovativeness and competitiveness of the region. To meet the challenge demands efficient exploitation of the vast know-how potential of the cities, regions and countries in the Baltic Sea Region.

Baltic Development Forum has within its network a set of distinct institutions, which contribute to the development of innovation policies and initiatives within the Baltic Sea Region. The Baltic Sea metropolises must be connected to these institutions and hereby define their contribution to the development and diffusion of knowledge-based innovation.

Baltic Development Forum also intends to establish a close cooperation in the planning of the annual summits including sessions at which political leaders from the metropolises can be given an important role.

Baltic Development Forum invites all metropolises of the Baltic Sea Region to discuss joint projects to promote regional innovation and initiate a dialogue about a common strategy for the metropolises.

See also Baltic Development Forum Members’ Meeting on the future role of the metropolises in the Baltic Sea Region. To view the homepage of BaltMet, click here.