On October 22nd, the Finnish Living Lab coalition convened in Kokkola, Finland, for a collaborative workshop designed to strengthen regional partnerships and advance the goals of the Synclusive project. The event brought together 27 stakeholders from 14 organizations, marking a significant milestone with increased employer participation and, for the first time, representation from policymakers and labor unions.
The two-hour session served as a vital platform for exchanging insights and shaping the development of ENGINE, the intervention package at the heart of the Synclusive project. The discussions revolved around four primary themes:
– Goals and content of the Synclusive project
– The ENGINE intervention package and its “gearing wheels” framework
– Actions taken and results achieved so far
– Stakeholders’ input for further project development and collaboration
A central focus of the workshop was the importance of engaging small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 86% of employers in Kokkola. Stakeholders emphasized that supporting these businesses is critical for achieving the project’s goals. Specifically, they highlighted the need for:
– Enhanced efforts to help SMEs hire and retain young workers.
– A greater emphasis on retention strategies, deemed more relevant than mobility-related actions.
– Informing employers about support mechanisms and opportunities for hiring individuals with lower work ability.
Participants also provided constructive feedback on the ENGINE package, stressing that it should align closely with the realities faced by SMEs in the region.
One of the most actionable recommendations from the session was to share success stories from the project. These stories, showcasing tangible outcomes in retention and employment, could inspire and engage a broader audience.
The workshop in Kokkola highlighted the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving meaningful change. With the insights gained, the Synclusive project is better positioned to address the needs of local employers and workers, ultimately strengthening regional labor markets and enhancing social inclusion.
