The Baltic Development Forums annual summit took place in Hamburg on the 14th of September this year.

More than 400 decision makers from 10 countries discussed a wide variety of political and economic issues in the Baltic Sea region. The overall theme was how to adapt and reenergise Baltic Sea cooperation and boost business opportunities in light of the regions changed economic and political development.

Some of the key outcomes of the meeting were:-

- Business, regional networks, universities, metropolises, national innovation agencies and other key actors should take a lead and pave the way for political decisions to develop the region.

- Focus should be on increasing competiveness and innovation, making the Baltic Sea region an outstanding place to do business.

- The Stockholm 2005 summit should be the arena for a discussion between the regions key stakeholders of a concrete vision and strategy.

Read all the conclusions here.

Based on the State of the Region Report 2004, as well as the report on Innovation in the Nordic-Baltic Sea region, Baltic Development Forum will initiate and facilitate a stakeholder process, the Baltic Sea Initiative, with the aim of developing an action agenda for increasing competitiveness and innovation. A “State of the Region Report 2005” along with recommendations from the Baltic Sea Initiative will be presented at the next summit in Stockholm, 16 – 18 October 2005.

During the next year, Baltic Development Forum intends to further explore avenues for making platforms available for a number of companies in various sectors. Private companies need a highly profiled vehicle for information, joint strategies and business cooperation. Moreover, Baltic Development Forum aims to strengthen cooperation between the Baltic Sea cities and sub-regions with the aim of promoting economic growth, investments and trade.

The ScanBalt website will report any future developments and publications from the Baltic Development Forum.