# North Savo Meets Hamburg: Towards a Stronger and More Sustainable Agri-Food Cluster

> North Savo and Hamburg collaborate to build sustainable food systems and strengthen agri-food cluster development.

## Overview of the Collaboration
Savonia University of Applied Sciences, representing the North Savo region, has initiated a friendship cooperation with the City of Hamburg. This partnership is part of the Interreg BSR-funded project, **KISMET**, which focuses on building more sustainable food environments. The collaboration aims to benchmark Hamburg’s successful cluster development models and pilot suitable practices within the Agri-Food Cluster North Savo as it defines its future organizational structure and strategic actions.

## Kick-off Event and Peer Learning
A kick-off event was held in early May, involving Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Agri-Food Cluster North Savo, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the City of Hamburg, and the Food Cluster Hamburg.

### Peer Learning from Hamburg
*   Hamburg has established 8 official clusters, all with public sector ownership.
*   The Food Cluster Hamburg is Germany’s only agri-food cluster, built on a solid foundation of political decisions and systematic studies.
*   With secured financing of €600,000 annually for five years (plus membership fees and service income), Hamburg offers a sustainable example of long-term cluster funding.

### Current Challenges in North Savo
*   A key challenge is the continuity of financing, especially the lack of regional funding mechanisms.
*   However, a strong ecosystem offers opportunities for engaging public administration and developing sustainable financing models.
*   Finland’s national cluster strategy is under development; the existing ecosystem-based approach requires more awareness and practical implementation.

## Strategic Importance of Clusters
*   **Business Growth:** Clusters support innovation and help companies respond to fast-changing consumer demands.
*   **Funding and Security:** They play a critical role in accessing EU project funding and strengthening food security.
*   **Influence:** Cooperation across regions is crucial to strengthen national-level influence.

## Development Needs
*   Create sustainable financing structures for clusters.
*   Strengthen collaboration between clusters and higher education institutions, especially in leveraging EU funding.
*   Promote local food culture to support a sustainable food system.
*   Clarify the role and position of food clusters within regional ecosystems.

## KISMET Network Meeting in Vilnius
Following the kick-off, representatives from the Agri-Food Cluster participated in a KISMET network meeting in Vilnius on May 20–21. Nearly 50 participants from seven Baltic region countries discussed sustainable food environments.

The partnership between Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the City of Hamburg was highlighted as the only international friendship cooperation in the project. Workshop themes included:
*   Food education
*   Reducing food waste in schools
*   Local food procurement
*   Cooperation between municipalities and producers

Participants also visited Leafood, one of Europe’s largest vertical farming units, to observe how technology supports sustainable food production.

## Future Outlook
The collaboration between North Savo and Hamburg, supported by the KISMET network, provides a foundation for future development. The next phase will focus on piloting concrete actions in North Savo, including:
*   Adapting proven practices from international partners.
*   Exploring sustainable financing models.
*   Deepening cooperation between key stakeholders.

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**Writer:**
Jade Hirvonen
RDI Specialist, Food Systems, Savonia University of Applied Sciences