8.2.2012

Turku and Siemens agree pioneering strategic cooperation

The City of Turku and Siemens Osakeyhtiö have signed a groundbreaking three-year strategic cooperation agreement. This is the first time that one of the world's largest conglomerates Siemens has made such a long-term strategic cooperation agreement with a city

It is also, from the City of Turku’s point of view, the first long-term development cooperation agreement in Finland to cover several different sectors in the municipal and private sectors.

– This is a unique opportunity for us to benefit from the global expertise and experience in developing sustainable urban solutions that a company such as Siemens has. The most important project is the present and future well-being of the citizens of Turku, says Aleksi Randell Mayor of Turku.

– We know that we are able to help Turku. Siemens' technologies, solutions and extensive experience in partnering cities ensure cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. For example, we have conducted urban studies in London, Munich and have ongoing research in Helsinki. We will also learn much more through our co-operation with Turku. What we learn will also benefit our business model, states Siemens Osakeyhtiö CEO Martin Kohtanen.

Above : Siemens Osakeyhtiö CEO Martti Kohtanen and Aleksi Randell the Mayor of Turku sign the contract.

Three initial focus areas

The cooperation will focus on concrete projects. From the outset, the work will have three subjects: An impact assessment of the light railroad planned for Turku, sustainable development for the new residential area in Skanssi and business activities that are enabled by municipal finance models.

Cooperation includes, for example, sustainable development-related information sharing and research. The results should include explanations which are made public. Invitations to tender-related projects are always organised according to public procurement law and policy.

Turku believes that the strategic partnership will enable it to enhance the efficient and environmentally friendly solutions it takes into use. Siemens deems that the co-operation will support the company's business activities.

Constant communication also belongs in the agreement, thus the Mayor of Turku and the CEO of Siemens Osakeyhtiö will meet, for example, at least twice a year to ensure the smooth flow of co-operation.

Long-term cooperation is important

Both parties will learn new types of approaches during the three-year period. At the same time it will support ​​the region’s development and environment as well as the well-being of city dwellers.

– Co-operation with the business community must be sustained. We are looking for this style of long partnership in order to develop a sustainable city. Invitations to tender that constantly emphasise the price sometimes lead to poor outcomes. That’s why long-term cooperation with the business community is important, says Randell.

The business activities of the Cities & Infrastructure Sector that Siemens began last autumn strongly focuses on medium-sized cities and making research and solutions for them.

– The majority of the world's cities are medium-sized – about 200,000 inhabitants. Such cities can do a lot to benefit the environment and their residents' well-being. Siemens provides innovative solutions and services for overcoming the challenges facing urban areas, for example, in transport, buildings and smart power grids, says Kohtanen.

Siemens and Turku's co-operation began during the international Urban Infrastructure programme belonging to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) . In addition to Siemens, several other international companies participated in the project. A summary of the project was published in the autumn of 2011. The project provides a number of concrete measures and procedures, which will make it possible to support the sustainable development of Turku.