Strengthening Regions Together: Xamk and KISMET at the Interreg National Event in Finland

South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), together with the KISMET project, took part in the national event “Interreg in Finland: Impact Through Cooperation”, held in Helsinki on 10 September 2025. The event was part of the European Territorial Cooperation initiative, Interreg Cooperation Day.

The Interreg Cooperation Day aims to highlight cross-border collaboration between EU countries that promotes regional development and people’s well-being. Throughout the day, participants discussed the impact of cooperation within the European Union, shared experiences, networked with other Interreg actors, and outlined future directions – together and across borders.

Key discussion themes included:
*Synergies and cooperation opportunities between Interreg projects
*The impact of Interreg funding
*Current state and future outlook of the programme period
*Project successes and the role of funding
*The significance of Interreg programmes in Finland

The KISMET project, which focuses on Sustainable Food Environments and Circular Food Systems, played an active role in the event. During the networking session, the KISMET Enabling Programme’s content and actions were presented, along with the results of cross-border cooperation. The achievements of the Local Innovation Partnership in South Savo and its collaboration with the friendship city of Iisalmi were also highlighted.

The event also showcased KISMET’s key messages, which guide the project’s work towards resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems in the Baltic Sea region.

The event was organized by Interreg programmes, including Interreg Aurora, Interreg Central Baltic Programme, Interreg Europe, URBACT Interreg, Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic, Interreg Baltic Sea Region, ESPON Interreg and Interact Interreg.

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