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Strengths
- Metropolitan area centre of Finnish economic activity.
- Rapid economic growth has put Finland in a strong economic position. 15 richest countries in the world.
- Strong innovation based economy.
- One of the world’s most competitive economies.
- Lowest inflation rate in Europe.
- Belief in the power of social capital and cooperation is a major competitive advantage.
- One of the world’s most advanced countries in terms of exploiting the potential of IT.
- Continued investment from public and private sector in R&D.
- Cooperation between universities and private sector R&D.
- Continued investment in education and training.
- World leader in mobile communications technology.
Weaknesses
- Remote location and small population have historically been economic challenges.
- High rate of unemployment.
- High consumer prices
Opportunities
- Technological advances removing barriers to international trade.
- A global example that a commitment to social equality need not disadvantage a country’s economic performance.
- Projected growth of biotechnology sector centred on Viikki.
Threats
- Increasing inequality in levels of personal income.
- Dominance of the communication sector leaves economy vulnerable to downturn.
- House price volatility has damaging affect on wider economy.
- Aging population a challenge for continued income growth.
Strengths
- Clean and efficient public transport system with international reputation.
- Good park and ride system.
- Low ticket prices on public transport.
- Expanding commuter rail and metro system.
- Public transport system increasingly running with environmentally sound vehicles.
- Extensive cycle network.
- Metropolitan area has good international transport links for passengers and cargo.
- Good rail links through Russia to China and the Pacific Coast.
Weaknesses
- Energy consumption per capita on transport twice that of European average.
- Low population density makes average journeys longer.
- Public transport weak in cross city directions resulting in increased traffic congestion.
- Rush hour congestion in suburbs.
- Sea lanes freeze in winter.
Opportunities
- Intensified urban structure would make public transport provision easier to provide.
- Opportunity to be a worldwide leader in the implementation of sustainable public transport.
- Bridge link to Tallinn would make overland link to the heart of Europe and symbolically link Helsinki to Europe.
Threats
- Population growth leading to increased congestion and vehicle emissions.
- Underinvestment in public transport.
Strengths
- Relatively low number of areas with concentrations of poverty.
- High quality, inclusive public sector housing with strong international reputation.
- Public sector housing in physically good repair.
- Public sector housing policy promotes social equality.
- HITAS system provides affordable housing for middle income earners.
Weaknesses
- Lack of joined up regional housing policy resulting in a shortage of available land for new public housing.
- Shortage of sites for new housing puts upward pressure on house prices.
- Disincentives for municipalities to provide sites for new housing.
- Urban sprawl.
Opportunities
- Decline in perception of public housing in relatively early stages.
- Opportunity to be at the forefront of innovations in housing design that responds to changing social and environmental priorities.
- Low population density provides opportunity for growth on intensified existing urban sites.
- Potential trade off between local income tax and property tax to stabilize house prices.
Threats
- Emerging ghettos in the east of the city.
- Private sector housing prone to price instability. Boom and bust.
- Increased social issues in public sector housing (vandalism and crime) may result in those who can moving out leaving this as a housing of last resort.
