Development Strategy. (English abstract)

Transcription

1 Development Strategy (English abstract)

2 Indhold Introduction Overall objectives and prioritized areas Animation and new media... 5 Green technology and sustainable production... 7 Unique experiences... 9 Municipal planning and Agenda

3 Introduction Viborg Municipality is located in Central Jutland, Denmark. It has over the past decade experienced a significant growth in population and jobs. There was a total of 93,817 inhabitants in Viborg on 1 January 2012 against 88,280 in This represents a 6% increase and makes it the 9th largest municipality in Denmark. The population is expected to increase further in the next decade. Similarly, the growth in the number of enterprises in Viborg is illustrated by the fact that in the period ,000 jobs (net) were created. In the Development Strategy, the City Council draws up themes and focus areas in the municipality in the years to come. As such, the City Council has chosen to focus on two overall objectives and three prioritised areas. Overall objectives and prioritized areas Inspired by the Vision of Viborg Municipality, the City Council s overall objectives are to: Create an attractive business environment in constant development through a focus on best possible framework conditions. Focus efforts on areas with a particular growth potential. Keeping this in mind, the City Council has identified the following three prioritised areas: Animation and new media Green technology and sustainable production Unique experiences 3

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5 Animation and new media Viborg Municipality is an animation knowledge and competence hub centred around one of the most dedicated animation institutions in the world, The Animation Workshop. In recent years, this position has been strengthened in that several creative and internationally oriented companies have sprung up from The Animation Workshop. Animation is generally categorised as a growth industry providing unique products and innovative solutions for the private and public sectors. Recently, an animation business cluster, Arsenalet, opened in the middle of Viborg. Challenges The main challenge is to constantly develop new educations as well as products and sustainable growth companies in the field of animation and new media. At the same time, other businesses, Viborg Municipality and public institutions in general should take more advantage of the opportunities developed in this field. Actions In the area of animation and new media, Viborg City Council will: Exploit the educational potentials in animation to create growth opportunities. Ensure an attractive and international environment around Campus Viborg that can be exploited actively. Create good growth conditions for entrepreneurs Expand the general knowledge of the use of animation in business and educational contexts. Links: The Animation Workshop Arsenalet 5

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7 Green technology and sustainable production Viborg Municipality is one of Denmark s largest agri-business municipalities with 1,200 companies in the primary sector. Further, the municipality hosts a number of prominent companies within energy and environ-ment, as well as knowledge environments such as the Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture at Aarhus University Foulum and Agro Business Park. In addition more companies, among them the largest company in the municipality, Grundfos, have a significant focus on green technology and sustainability. Challenges It is a challenge to exploit the focus on climate and energy focus positively. Another challenge is to improve the interaction between our educational and research strongholds on the one side and the commercial competences on the other in order to create a green tech growth environment and new jobs. Actions In the area of green technology and sustainable production, Viborg City Council will: Support the business and research strongholds in agriculture and agricultural science. Create good conditions for entrepreneurship and networking. Ensure opportunities for sustainable energy production through climate planning. Support and develop cooperation between existing companies and the educational and research sectors. Cooperate on specific projects and initiatives that can create growth and jobs through innovation. Links: Agro Business Park Aarhus University Foulum Grundfos 7

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9 Unique experiences Based on a significant historical and natural heritage as well as a stronghold in elite sports, Viborg Municipality wishes to create new and unique experiences at national and international level. For example, Viborg Municipality co-hosted the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. In November 2012 Viborg Municipality hosted Viborg Animation Festival that took its participants on a journey through the amazing world of animation. Challenges It is a major challenge to use our significant historical and natural heritage and strong position within elite sports to further develop and create new large and unique experiences both at national and international level through an innovative partnership among local creative forces. Actions In the area of unique experiences, Viborg City Council will: Create events and attractions that provide authentic experiences and external attention. Attract tourists and new citizens Strengthen the cooperation with local business and cultural community Support and develop the basic foundations of elite sports Strengthen cultural life in the municipality 9

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11 Municipal planning and Agenda 21 According to Danish law, the City Council must in the first part of its four year term publish a strategy for municipal planning as well as for Agenda 21 sustainable development. In relation to the municipal plan, the Development Strategy draws up the following challenges: Development of Karup Airport Infrastructure Development main roads and motorways railways Viborg s urban expansion Agriculture and agro based energy (biogas) Attractive urban environments The idea of Agenda 21 is to create a development that combines the needs of today with those of a sustainable future. In its Agenda 21 Strategy, Viborg Municipality sets the following objectives: Promote a sustainable development and urban regeneration Reduce environmental impact and promote biodiversity Involvement of citizens and businesses 11

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