South Ostrobothnia Research Articles

The relationship between digital orientation, organizational ambidexterity, and growth strategies of rural SMEs in time of crisis

The rapidly changing digital landscape presents a new context highlighting growth strategies and organizational ambidexterity. This research explores the interaction between growth strategies of rural SMEs, digital orientation, and organizational ambidexterity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey data comprised 204 responses from Finnish SME owner-managers in the rural region of South Ostrobothnia in October 2021. The results from the ordinal regression analysis demonstrate that organizational ambidexterity positively influences the utilization of all growth strategies, serving as a mediator in the relationship between digital orientation and these strategies. Digital orientation is positively associated with applying a product/service development strategy, market development strategy, diversification, and business model development but not with market penetration strategy. These findings suggest that a digital orientation enables SMEs to strike a balance between exploration and exploitation, allowing them to effectively pursue both. Furthermore, digitalization offers rural businesses opportunities to implement more demanding growth strategies. Therefore, to ensure the long-term vitality of rural areas, society and policymakers must collaborate in providing robust digital infrastructure.

National Health Index shows an increase and marked regional differences in diabetes burden in Finland

Abstract Background The National Health Index contributes to the data bases needed for monitoring population health and development of health promotion policy and social and healthcare services. It includes a Morbidity Index and a Work Ability Index. The Morbidity Index is built on seven sub-indexes estimating the prevalence of the main components of the overall disease burden. The aim of this study is to describe the five-year time trend and regional differences in diabetes burden in Finland. Methods Diabetes index is based on four register data sources: (1) diagnosis in out-patient care, (ICD-codes), (2) hospital discharge diagnosis (ICD-codes), (3) purchase of diabetes medication (ATC-codes), and (4) special reimbursement for diabetes medication. Both non-standardized and age-standardized indexes were calculated. The time trend analysis is based on three three-year periods: 2017-2019, 2018-2020 and 2019-2021 for the whole country and separately for 22 regions. Index value 100 represents the average national level in the last period. Results National diabetes index increased from 94.9 in the first to 100 in the last follow-up period. The age-standardized values were 96,7 and 100, respectively. In 2019-2021 Åland region had the lowest index value (64.2) followed by Helsinki city (72.6). The highest index value (134.5) was observed in South Savo region. Age-standardization reduced the differences between regions which, nevertheless, remained remarkable: 63.2, 84.8 and 106.7, respectively. Furthermore, the highest age-standardized index value (117,5) was observed in South Ostrobothnia region. Conclusions Diabetes burden is still increasing in Finland, and there are marked differences between regions. The increase and regional differences are partly explained by changes and differences in age-structure but also other (preventable) factors play an important role. In general, diabetes burden is highest in eastern and northern parts of the country. Key messages • Diabetes burden is still increasing in Finland, and there are marked differences between regions. • The increase and regional differences are partly explained by changes and differences in age-structure but also other (preventable) factors play an important role.

After-use of cutover peatland from the perspective of landowners: Future effects on the national greenhouse gas budget in Finland

Recently, increased attention has been drawn to the greenhouse gas emissions of the Land use, Land use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. In the Finnish LULUCF sector, the soil-originated emissions from the after-use of cutover peatland have become a more relevant question. This is due to the rapid increase in the number of former peat-harvesting sites, caused by the decline in the combustion of energy peat due to its high CO2 emissions. We conducted a nationally representative survey to study which after-use options of cutover peatlands are preferred by landowners. Based on the preferred after-use options, we estimated their impact on the national greenhouse gas emissions in the Finnish regions in 2035, and what factors influence the landowners’ choice of after-use options. We found that the four most popular after-use options for landowners were afforestation (71%), agriculture (24%), production of wind and solar power (22%) and rewetting (18%) when the respondent chose the three most attractive options. However, there were clear regional differences in the preferred after-use options, which might lead, if realized, to different soil-originated emissions at the regional level. The preferred after-use options could produce emissions of 0.35 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year (Mt CO2 eq y−1) by 2035 in Finland. Most of these emissions (30.1%) would come from South Ostrobothnia in western Finland, mainly due to the indicated high interest in agricultural after-use. Most landowners prefer financially profitable after-use options, such as forestry, agriculture, as well as wind and solar energy production in cutover peatlands. However, environmentally oriented landowners favour many kinds of actions to support biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and water protection in cutover peatlands. It is crucial that economic productivity and the greenhouse gas sinks of cutover peatlands be considered simultaneously to meet the climate targets of the LULUCF sector in Finland.

Figures in the Mire: Towards Transformative Art and a Respectful Mire Relationship

Mire art is a versatile form of ecologically engaged art that reflects images of the relationship with nature in its time. This article regards mire art as transformative art that links both to climate change and new ways of experiencing the mire. Mire art no longer reflects so much the aesthetics of the mire enjoyed by humans, but rather the mire aside from human activity and the importance of protecting mire nature in the climate crisis. My perspective on the transformative aspects of mire art stems from the artist’s choices, values and aims, which I explore by reflecting on both artist interview and my own experience of the artwork on site. The theoretical approach combines the study of cultural meanings and knowledge inherent in ethnological case studies with the concepts of art research. Art interventions can play a transformative role which increases knowledge, trust, and social capital. The Invited Guests series (Fin. Kutsuvieraat, 2020) by visual artist Reetta Partanen in the city of Seinäjoki, Finland, is a sculptural series made of organic material. The artwork is situated in the pristine mire in South Ostrobothnia, where peatlands are still used for energy. The article asks how the artist and her artwork emphasize the value of the mire as a natural place and softly question the dominant place of humans in the world. Importantly, the materials in the work have been chosen not to be a burden on the environment, but rather to benefit nature. The research shows that transformative art highlights the agency of nature, and in this study, the artwork gives mire a level of attention that differs from that centered on commercial use.

The prevalence of hemoglobin Tacoma in Finland detected by HbA1c capillary electrophoresis

Previous studies have identified occasional cases of heterozygous Hb Tacoma in areas that have attracted Finnish immigrants, especially in Sweden and North America, but large studies of this slightly unstable beta variant in vitro have not been carried out. Here we determined the prevalence of hemoglobin variants across Finland. A total of 5059 samples from 11 different hospital districts were analyzed using HbA1c capillary electrophoresis and reviewed for atypical profiles (HbA1c, Capillarys 3 Tera, Sebia). 38 heterozygous Hb Tacoma cases were found (0.75%). The prevalence was highest in South Ostrobothnia (2.0%), located in western Finland, and second highest in the neighboring provinces (1.0–1.4%), but only two districts were devoid of variants. Heterozygous Hb Tacoma was confirmed by genetic testing (NM_000518.5(HBB):c.93G > T (p.Arg31Ser)). In addition, five other variants were found, suggestive of HbE, Hb Helsinki (two cases) and an alpha variant, as interpreted from the electropherograms. The fifth variant, belonging to the South Ostrobothnian cohort, remained unknown at the time of the initial analyses, but was later interpreted as homozygous Hb Tacoma and confirmed by hemoglobin fraction analysis (Hemoglobin(E), Capillarys 3 Tera). In a subsequent retrospective study of the electropherograms of routine HbA1c diagnostics, altogether nine homozygous Hb Tacoma cases were identified in South Ostrobothnia. While heterozygous Hb Tacoma is usually an incidental finding, it interferes with several HbA1c assays. The present study is the first demonstration of homozygous Hb Tacoma. The clinical presentations of homozygous Hb Tacoma are not known and need to be addressed in future studies.

Enhancing the implementation of evidence-based treatment interventions. A comprehensive evaluation of a real-world implementation programme

Background Ostrobothnia Depression Programme (ODP) was conducted in South Ostrobothnia Hospital District in Finland 2009–2014. It was targeted to tackle heterogeneous treatment practices and congested patient flow with a marked increase in depressed patients, and deficit in the integrative treatment of comorbid substance abuse. The ODP included an implementation programme for two evidence-based treatments (EBTs): motivational interviewing and behavioural activation. The implementation plan included two multi-faceted workshop days (mandatory), subsequent (voluntary) regular case consultations and other more general strategies, e.g. training videos available. Methods We performed a comprehensive evaluation of the ODP implementation programme: mixed-methods surveys for the therapists and focus group interviews with the leaders and programme executives, and analysis of the implementation plan against Normalization Process Theory. Results About a third of the 84 ODP trained therapists were considered as active adopters still after closing the programme. The only therapist related factor predicting the adoption was a positive experience of using the EBTs. Support from the leadership and the influence of peers both facilitated the adoption. Attending the case consultations and watching the videos were under-utilized. Staff turnover undermined the sustainability of the outcomes. No specific sustainment strategies were included in the implementation plan. Conclusions Brief but multi-faceted training workshops are viable means to start implementing EBTs in a real-world setting. Scaling up and sustaining their adoption rate entails specific amendments in the implementation plan, e.g. policies to reinforce the leaders’ role as facilitators, making the case consultations mandatory and establishing a post-programme recurring training policy for newcomers.

Russian Food Import Ban – Impacts on Rural and Regional Development in Finland

Abstract This paper investigates the economic effects of the food import ban that Russia imposed vis-à-vis the European Union in 2014 on the development of two structurally different rural regions in Finland. A detailed, rural-urban dataset was compiled for use with a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model. In the medium run, the overall economic effects of the trade ban were negative for both regions, and the value added of agriculture and food industries fell notably. When the rigidities of capital availability were relaxed, regional GDP and employment increased in South Ostrobothnia as, for instance, metal industry and construction accelerated economic growth. In North Karelia, where agriculture and food industry account for a minor share of economy, other industries could not compensate the losses the ban caused. Accordingly, the impacts were dependent on the economic structure of the region.

Type 1 tyrosinemia in Finland: a nationwide study

BackgroundIntroduction of nitisinone and newborn screening (NBS) have transformed the treatment of type 1 tyrosinemia, but the effects of these changes on the long-term outcomes remain obscure. Also, the predictors for later complications, the significance of drug levels and the normalization of laboratory and imaging findings are poorly known. We investigated these issues in a nationwide study.ResultsType 1 tyrosinemia was diagnosed in 22 children in 1978–2019 in Finland. Incidence was 1/90,102, with a significant enrichment in South Ostrobothnia (1/9990). Median age at diagnosis was 5 (range 0.5–36) months, 55% were girls and 13 had homozygotic Trp262X mutation. Four patients were detected through screening and 18 clinically, their main findings being liver failure (50% vs. 100%, respectively, p = 0.026), ascites (0% vs. 53%, p = 0.104), renal tubulopathy (0% vs. 65%, p = 0.035), rickets (25% vs. 65%, p = 0.272), growth failure (0% vs. 66%, p = 0.029), thrombocytopenia (25% vs. 88%, p = 0.028) and anaemia (0% vs. 47%, p = 0.131). One patient was treated with diet, seven with transplantation and 14 with nitisinone. Three late-diagnosed (6–33 months) nitisinone treated patients needed transplantation later. Kidney dysfunction (86% vs. 7%, p = 0.001), hypertension (57% vs. 7%, p = 0.025) and osteopenia/osteoporosis (71% vs. 14%, p = 0.017) were more frequent in transplanted than nitisinone-treated patients. Blood/serum alpha-fetoprotein decreased rapidly on nitisinone in all but one patient, who later developed intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver values normalized in 31 months and other laboratory values except thrombocytopenia within 18 months. Imaging findings normalized in 3–56 months excluding five patients with liver or splenic abnormalities. Low mean nitisinone concentration was associated with higher risk of severe complications (r = 0.758, p = 0.003) despite undetectable urine succinylacetone.ConclusionsPrognosis of type 1 tyrosinemia has improved in the era of nitisinone, and NBS seems to provide further benefits. Nevertheless, the long-term risk for complications remains, particularly in the case of late diagnosis and/or insufficient nitisinone levels.

Changes in multiple sclerosis epidemiology in Finland over five decades.

Finland is a high-risk region for multiple sclerosis (MS) with several epidemiological studies on the subject published since 1964, but these have not been comprehensively scrutinized. The objective of this study was to review previous studies of Finnish MS epidemiology, introduce new data on MS prevalence in western parts of Finland and do further analyses on data from previous studies. We performed a systematic search on articles regarding MS epidemiology in Finland in PubMed database, and all relevant articles were included in this review. MS prevalences in the western hospital districts of Vaasa, South Ostrobothnia and Pirkanmaa were calculated in 1980-2007 by using previously unpublished data obtained from a retrospective search from hospital administrative registries. To enhance comparability of the epidemiological figures, we calculated age-standardized prevalence of MS from the new data from western hospital districts and previous data from North Ostrobothnia, Southwest Finland and North Karelia. Marked regional differences in MS epidemiology were confirmed with concentration of the disease in the western and south-western parts of the country. The highest regional age-standardized MS prevalence of 288/100000 was reported in South Ostrobothnia in 2007. A clear and stable increase in MS prevalence was observed through the decades, but the only marked increase in incidence happened in 1990s. Methodological differences hampered direct comparisons of different studies, highlighting the importance of common principles of reporting and standardizing the epidemiological figures. More comprehensive studies on MS epidemiology are still warranted to yield important information concerning the aetiology of the disease.

Hyvinvointialan yrittäjien tiedot ja käsitykset hyvinvointiteknologiasta – kysely eteläpohjalaisille yrittäjille

Digitalisuus, teknologioiden hyödyntäminen ja mobiilit palveluratkaisut ovat Suomessa ajankohtaisia aiheita. Suomen taloudellinen tilanne, väestöennuste, sekä työn muuttuminen globaalissa mittakaavassa vaativat uusia tapoja tehdä työtä ja tehostaa palveluita. Hyvinvointiteknologioiden hyödyntäminen on vielä vajavaista hyvinvointialoilla, sillä yritykset ovat eri vaiheessa teknologioiden hyödyntämisessä, ekosysteemi on kehittymätön sekä kustannus- ja vaikuttavuushyötyjen osoittaminen on haasteellista.
 Artikkelissa tarkastellaan eteläpohjalaisten hyvinvointialan yrittäjien käsityksiä, tietoja ja tiedontarpeita hyvinvointialan robotiikasta sekä tekoälyn ja mHealthin sovelluksista. Aineisto on kerätty sähköisellä kyselylomakkeella keväällä 2019 hyvinvointialan pk-yrittäjiltä ja yritysten toimitusjohtajilta yrityksistä, joiden päätoimipiste sijaitsee Etelä-Pohjanmaalla.
 Kyselyn vastanneet eteläpohjalaiset hyvinvointialan pk-yrittäjät ja yritysten toimitusjohtajat kokivat tietonsa hyvinvointiteknologioista heikoiksi ja tiedontarpeita esiintyi useilla osa-alueilla. Suurimmaksi tiedon tarpeeksi nousivat ihmisen ja robottien välinen yhteistyö sekä tekoälyn ja mHealthin sovellusten vaikuttavuus ja vaikutukset. Vastaajista enemmistön käsitykset hyvinvointiteknologioista olivat melko kielteisiä. Hyvinvointiteknologioiden etuina nähtiin henkilöstön työn kuormittavuuden väheneminen. Haasteina puolestaan nähtiin inhimillisen kosketuksen ja vuorovaikutuksen sekä ihmisten työpaikkojen väheneminen.
 Kyselyyn vastanneiden yrittäjien määrä jäi vähäiseksi (n=6), joten tuloksen eivät ole yleistettävissä, mutta ne todentavat mielikuvaa tiedoista ja asenteista hyvinvointiteknologioita kohtaan.

P290 Long-term disease outcome of ulcerative colitis (UC) in South Ostrobothnia, Finland with a follow-up time of 25 years

Abstract Background Finland has one of the highest prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially UC. There is scarce data about long-term disease outcome in UC in population-based cohorts. The aim was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of patients with UC in the region of South Ostrobothnia, a district in rural central western Finland with a population of about 190 000. Methods All patients treated with diagnosis of UC or IBDU (inflammatory bowel disease Unclassified) during years 1981–2000 were included in this study. Data were collected retrospectively from the patient registry of the Central Hospital of South Ostrobothnia until 1 August 2019. Results There were 589 patients with a median follow-up time of 25 years. Median age at the diagnosis was 34 years. 59% of patients were male, 93% had UC and 7% IBDU. According to Montreal classification 80% had extensive disease, 15% left-sided disease and 5% proctitis. Medical treatment used at any point during the disease is shown in Table 1. Twenty-two per cent of patients had colectomy. Of operated patients, (pan)proctocolectomy with ileostomy was performed to 50%, IPAA (ileal pouch anal anastomosis) to 40% and IRA (ileorectal anastomosis) to 3%. Median time from the diagnosis to surgery was 11 years; the risk of surgery is shown in Table 2. Twenty-six per cent of the operations were emergency surgeries. The mean age at the time of surgery was 49 years. The indications for colectomy are specified in Table 3. Cumulative risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and biliary tract cancer was 3.2% and 1.7%, respectively. Twenty-eight per cent of patients died during follow-up, at the mean age of 72 years. The cause of death was recorded for 91/167 and the most common causes were cardiovascular disease and malignancy. Conclusion In this population-based cohort with surveillance of 25 years 22% patients with UC or IBDU were operated. Even after becoming available, biological medication is rarely used for UC patients diagnosed in the prebiologic era.

Digital capabilities in manufacturing SMEs

Digital information systems are often seen as a critical source of competitive advantage in manufacturing firms. Markets offer a great variety of information systems for a wide range of purposes. However, firms’ abilities to exploit these systems vary, and often it is not the technical features of the system that set the limits for the system’s usefulness. The main goal of the study was to find out what kind of strengths and weaknesses manufacturing SMEs have in their digital capabilities and how their capabilities compare with firms in other businesses. To meet this goal, we made 12 evaluations in Finnish companies in South Ostrobothnia area. The DigiMat method was used for the evaluations. The secondary goal was to get feedback on how firms perceive the usability and usefulness of the evaluation method. Results show that the top priorities of development are in the capabilities related to the IT infrastructure and in the renewal and development capabilities although there is variation in their order of importance between different branches of industry. Sales and marketing, and production were also at the front. The least development is needed in HR governance and collaboration. Based on the feedback, the tool helped the personnel from different departments to form a shared understanding of development needs. The results and result visualizations also helped companies to focus their development plans.

Development of Multiprofessional Simulation-based Education in South Ostrobothnia, Finland

Development of Multiprofessional Simulation-based Education in South Ostrobothnia, Finland

Framing the local food experience: a case study of a Finnish pop-up restaurant

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how Finnish customers at the pop-up restaurant event Trip to Province, which took place in South Ostrobothnia, Finland, make sense of the locality.Design/methodology/approachThe data consist of 3 group interviews and 18 respondents, whose responses were analysed using a frame analysis.FindingsLocality is discussed in the context of three frames: the immediate surroundings, the Finnish national ethos and the global discourses of food enthusiasts. The results show that, in terms of local food events, locality comprises not only food, but also place, people and cultural context conveying national and global elements.Research limitations/implicationsThe data of this study are limited in size, and limited to the Finnish context.Practical implicationsLocal food events could be promoted to locals and nearby residents, not just to tourists. With the design of the eating environment (music and visuals), the local food experience can be enhanced.Social implicationsLocal food events strengthen the residents’ regional identity.Originality/valueThe research setting for this paper is original; the study takes part in the scarce discussion about gastronomic tourism in Finland. The study broadens the view that local food is just about food; regarding local food events, locality also entails place, people, nationality and globality.

Landowners’ willingness to promote bioenergy production on wasteland − future impact on land use of cutaway peatlands

Landowners are the key players in bioenergy production on wasteland; such as cutaway peatlands. In this study, the landowner’s interest to use cutaway peatlands for bioenergy production was investigated using a survey and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) methods in an area in South Ostrobothnia, Finland. The focus was to identify which different bioenergy production chains are preferred by the respondents: combustion, gasification or biogas production from agriculture, energy-willow short-rotation forestry or forestry based energy crops. Also, the influence of personal environmental values on the selection was measured and the future impacts and barriers for the land use were assessed.Afforestation was the most popular after-use method among the landowners. The next most favorable method was energy crop cultivation but it was highly dependent on economic profitability and subsidies. Currently, approximately 8.2% or 500ha of the total peat extraction area could be used for bioenergy production in the region by 2035. Based on the survey, forest based biomass is the best option if bioenergy is to be produced. The next choice was agro biomass and the least favored plant was willow. This study suggests that the biggest cutaway peatlands will be converted to forest energy in the future. Suggestive results were that the owners with high environmental values are especially interested in agro biomass growing and the landowner having a distant home place does not have a negative influence on bioenergy production. Altogether, land use and biomass production of cutaway peatlands is connected with the demands of the Finnish bio-economy.

Vibroacoustic Treatment Protocol at Seinäjoki Central Hospital

Vibroacoustic (VA) treatment is offered at the Department of Rehabilitation as part of specialized healthcare in the South Ostrobothnia healthcare district. This clinical report describes VA protocol used at Seinäjoki Central Hospital, where VA has been used since 1992, and the protocol is based on the extensive development project on VA from 1996-1999 [1]. According to our clinical experience, the results are encouraging when VA is used as an additional treatment for patients with chronic pain, musculoskeletal problems, specific neurological problems such as spasticity, and sleep disturbances. Also, comorbidity with depression and anxiety is an additional indication for VA to be used with the patients. Systematic collection of clinical data and continuous development of clinical practice have been essential in establishing and maintaining the high-quality services [2]. Still, no randomized controlled trials have been conducted at this facility. Keywords: vibroacoustics treatment, specialized healthcare, rehabilitation

Frequency and occurrence of the carrot pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ haplotype C in Finland

Occurrence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (CLso) was studied in field‐grown carrots (Daucus carota) in different regions of Finland. In addition, the frequency of CLso in carrots and in field populations of its vector, the carrot psyllid (Trioza apicalis), was studied in southwestern Finland. CLso was detected in six of the seven regions where the main carrot cultivation areas are located. The highest disease incidence was found in southwestern Finland, in the area where this carrot pathogen was originally found. In the Tavastia Proper and Southwest Finland regions, CLso was detected in 26 out of 30 randomly chosen fields inspected in 2013 and 2014, and in a third of those fields more than 10% of plants showed symptoms. Of those carrots showing both psyllid feeding‐associated leaf curling and CLso infection‐associated leaf discolouration symptoms, 77% were CLso positive in the PCR test. Some symptomless carrots from the affected fields also tested positive. Of the carrot psyllid individuals collected from the same area, 60% were CLso positive. Elsewhere, disease incidence was variable in South Ostrobothnia in western Finland and low but established in South Savonia in eastern Finland. CLso was not detected in the North Ostrobothnia region. Sequencing of the amplified DNA fragments confirmed that the bacteria in the carrot samples from different areas within Finland all represented CLso haplotype C. The frequent occurrence and wide distribution of this pathogen, transmitted by a psyllid that does not migrate over long distances, suggest that it is persistent in Finland.

Future in Wood? Timber Construction in Boosting Local Development

Large scale timber construction has been on the upswing for some time in many European countries. Besides the building cluster, also regions and cities have taken advantage of the ongoing timber boom in their economic and spatial development. In this article the focus is on the South Ostrobothnia region and the city of Seinäjoki in Western Finland, where the potential of the business is quite weakly exploited regardless of favourable preconditions. By studying the key actors of the innovation network we are able to better understand the premises of the local development platform that should aim at boosting timber construction.

Planning land use for biogas energy crop production: The potential of cutaway peat production lands

Each year, thousands of hectares of peatland that had been harvested are being released in Finland, which can offer an opportunity to increase energy crops and attain the bioenergy targets for non-agriculture lands. In this study, the Geographic Information System (GIS) method was used to improve the assessment of decentralized renewable energy resources. The amount of peat production lands and future cutaway areas for energy crop production was calculated as a case study by using ArcGIS and the Finnish Topographic database. There are almost 1000 km2 of peat production lands in Finland, and theoretically, approximately 300 km2 of cutaway peatlands could be used for energy crops after 30 years. The dry biomass yield of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) or timothy-fescue grass (mix of Phleum pratense and Festuca pratensis) could be higher than 100 Gg a−1 in these lands indicating methane potential of approximately 300 GWh. The exhausted peat production areas in the western region of Finland have significant potential for use for energy crops; North and South Ostrobothnia account for almost 45% of the total peat production land. A future goal could be to use the cutaway peat production lands more efficiently for bioenergy to mitigate climate change. Since the use of wastelands (including peatlands) are being considered in Europe as a way to avoid competition with food production, the GIS method used in the study to identify suitable peat lands could be applicable to biomass resource studies being conducted in many countries.

Rural-Urban Multiplier and Policy Effects in Finish Rural Regions: an Inter-Regional Sam Analysis

Abstract The paper studies rural policies in two Finnish regions, and whether the policy benefits would accumulate to the rural or urban areas. Rural-urban social accounting matrices were built and used as a base data for the SAM multiplier analysis. The output multiplier values demonstrate the important role of agriculture and food industry in both of the study regions. In the urban areas, however, services and construction were among the industries with the highest income generating potential. Whilst urban and rural industries had almost an equal potential for stimulating the whole economies, the results indicate that urban activities spill over welfare to the surrounding rural areas and thus can back up the development of the whole regions. Due to their different economic structures, South Ostrobothnia responded stronger to the agricultural policies while North Karelia was more responsive to the infrastructure and tourism policies.