Welcoming Words
Dear Colleagues,
The aim of our international conference is to discuss the different strategic possibilities for regions as they adapt to the rapidly changing pressures of the globalising world. Key questions we would like to raise are: How can regional actors cope in a global economy? What new methods could we use to study and explore the future of regions? How can regional co-operation and networking be enhanced? In addition, it is necessary to discuss how creativity can strengthen regions because we assume that foresight and development theories can strengthen regional development when put into practice. Furthermore, we regard the role of companies and how they shape their regional strategies in the globalising economy as crucial.
That leads us to say that the future of regions is dependent on proactive interaction between companies, universities and public actors. This interaction must be encouraged by new approaches and instruments, some of which can be provided by futures studies and foresight approaches.
The conference will bring together people from universities, research institutes, regional authorities, municipalities, governmental and non-governmental organisations and private companies. The idea is to meet, discuss and share new ideas concerning regional development and globalisation and do that through the generation of vibrant and multidisciplinary discussions with experts from different scientific and institutional backgrounds.
A warm welcome awaits you in Turku!
Juha Kaskinen
Director, Finland Futures Research Centre