Summary of the Regional Development Plan 2008 for the Central Denmark Region

Transcription

1 Summary of the Regional Development Plan 2008 for the Central Denmark Region

2 The Regional Development Plan consists of four parts: 1 Vision 2 Statement 3 Analyses 4 Supplements Contents The material can be downloaded at This is a summary of the Regional Development Plan, which is published in continuation of the final approval by the Regional Council in May Front page photo: The visions in The Regional Development Plan are about how we shall live, work and run our businesses in the Central Denmark Region in the year 2030 when the young people in the photo are adult citizens. Here they are climbing Agri Bavnehøj, which is in the middle of the newly appointed national park, Mols Bjerge. Title: Summary of The Regional Development Plan 2008 for the Central Denmark Region Copyright: Central Denmark Region The publication can be quoted with source reference. Introduction...5 Vision...7 Business development and tourism Working capacity and employment Education Health Publisher: Central Denmark Region Regional Development Skottenborg 26 DK Viborg Denmark Tlf regional-udvikling@ru.rm.dk Ordering: Can be ordered on enquiry to Regional Development: regional-udvikling@ru.rm.dk or downloaded from Vignettes: Photo: Tilsted Com Fokus Foto Layout: Grafisk Service Culture Nature and environment Energy Infrastructure Public transport How can the Regional Development Plan be applied? Edition: 1 ISBN no: Publication:

3 Introduction Regional development is about making the most of the good preconditions that we have in the region. Cooperation between the different actors is crucial for a good result. In 2030 the Central Denmark Region will be an international growth region in a cohesive Denmark according to the overall vision. The Regional Development Plan delineates the chosen way to the goal. Thus, it contains a description of the desired development and the particular challenges we face. The plan has come about in a fruitful cooperation between the municipalities in particular and the region. It is our plan and it bodes well for the future. Many have contributed their ideas during the preparation of the plan. Especially the 24 Anna Amalia s have succeeded in gathering many good ideas. Thank you all for your contributions. The priorities of the Regional Council and a series of recommendations for other actors makes the Regional Development Plan the collected overall vision for the region. We are many actors who can contribute to growth in the region and the strengthening of a cohesive Denmark, just as we will strengthen international cooperations and have a global outlook. President of the Regional Council Bent Hansen 4 Here, the President of the Regional Council Bent Hansen is discussing ideas for the Regional Development Plan with Mina Harding Iranzad and Bente Hornbæk - two of the 24 Anna Amalia s who held tea salons in the Summer of

4 Vision In 2030 the Central Denmark Region will be an international growth region in a cohesive Denmark. Growth in the Central Denmark Region happens on a sustainable basis in order to achieve optimal conditions for humans and the environment. Sustainable development is thus an overall principle for the development in the region. In the periodical report on comprehensive regional policy they are separate and understood as two independent centres. In 25 years these two areas will still have the best preconditions for attracting workplaces, working capacity, knowledge etc. and creating growth. International outlook However, the vision of the Regional Council includes a vision of tying together the extended urban corridor of Eastern Jutland and the Øresund Region. This creates even better possibilities and more space for unfolding the gathered potential. The extended urban corridor of Eastern Jutland reaches from Aalborg in the north to Kolding in the south, Aarhus in the east and Viborg in the west, as it is expected that the factors that have contributed to the formation of an urban corridor of Eastern Jutland including the infrastructure has meant that the urban corridor has been extended to include other cities over the years. As an international growth region the Central Denmark Region works strategically and with a global outlook. The Central Denmark Region will, with the basis in its positions of strength, lead the way and let itself be inspired by other parts of the world. A cohesive Denmark With the starting point in, among other things the vision of Growth Forum about an international growth region; the Regional Development Plan will support the entire region s role in a cohesive Denmark. The urban corridor of Eastern Jutland and the Øresund Region are Denmark s two growth centres. 6 A cohesive Denmark is ensured through a specific cooperation with the neighbouring areas concerning the development of business communities, tourism, and research including university cooperation across administrative borders. Furthermore, we must cooperate on education and infrastructure in a sustainable way. 7

5 Growth Region Central Denmark In the Central Denmark Region cities and rural areas supplement each other and can, while respecting each others differences, create results locally as well as regionally. In order to optimize the role of the cities, the various focus areas must be strengthened through strategies and specific initiatives. It is important to prioritize the cities variety and specialization in connection with continued growth and development. With larger and more efficient commuting regions, each city will increasingly attain their own role and development opportunities. Municipalities and regions can make a difference in the Central Denmark Region by working systematically with the role, development and division of labour in the cities. Shared analyses may show where the effect of investments in various kinds of education and research institutions, cultural lighthouses, infrastructure, nature and environment, tourism etc. will be optimal. The qualities that especially characterize the rural areas must be brought actively into play. This applies, for example, to the particular position of strength in food production, but also such strengths as space for development, nature, social security and tranquility. 8 The cities must be catalysts for the entire region s growth. Positions of strength must be a basis for coast to coast growth. The region has a series of positions of strength from coast to coast which continue to develop. Among the current positions of strength the following can be mentioned: Food Production Environment and sustainable energy Furniture and clothing Research The region has a national leading position in these areas and they are also international beacons for the region. 9

6 Business development and tourism VISION In 2030 the Central Denmark Region will be an international growth region where global opportunities are utilized based on regional positions of strength for the benefit of citizens and companies. Desired development Challenges Continued development and innovation will fortify the region s positions of strength nationally and internationally. Cooperation in networks is a tool in the realization of an attractive region. Competences from knowledge and research environments, large companies and smaller and medium-sized producers as well as accompanying industries cooperate on the development of quality products all over the region. Danish manufacturing industries are under pressure due to wage competition. Changes in consumer habits in the food area. Maintaining authenticity in the region s natural and cultural landscapes. Cities and rural areas The regional enterprise policy effort will create growth by focusing on education, innovation and entrepreneurship and through special focus areas in the fields of energy and environment, food production and business-health. The development in the food production area will contribute positively to the environment and the health of the population, as well as to the demographic balance in the region. Creative alliances with the cultural life are part of the development of companies and their products. Djurs Sommerland is the largest attraction in the Regin with nearly ½ million visitors every year. 10 The experience industry and entrepreneurship characterize the positive experiences of business development in all areas of the region. Global perspective The region must be able to attract international attention by virtue of its education, outstanding experience attractions, quality products and its multifarious nature. Tourism attractions in Central Denmark will be internationally known and recognized for their impact and experience quality. 11

7 The Regional Council will: Development of new international experience attractions. Education: support the business development strategy initiatives. Development of all-year tourist destinations Innovation: support the capacity building and sharing of knowledge. Ensure dialogue between business development operators Entrepreneurship: support the business development strategy initiatives. Technology programmes: support the building and sharing of knowledge. Create the basis for cooperation concerning growth facilitators between business life, knowledge and research institutions. The Regional Council recommends: The Growth Forum should develop the business development strategy with a starting point in human resources, innovation and entrepreneurship and with emphasis on the creative qualifications and positions of strength in the region. Qualify the designation of new focus areas. Globalization: ensure that companies and educational institutions have the best basis for international activities 12 13

8 VISION Manpower and Employment In 2030 the Central Denmark Region will still have high levels of employment and low unemployment. Private and public companies will cover their needs for qualified manpower on a sustainable and dynamic international labour market. Desired development Expansion, upgrading and qualification development for the workforce. More young people completing an education. Challenges Growth in the workforce. Cities and rural areas Primary production, food processing, accompanying industries and an experience industry etc., are still important in order to maintain workplaces in the rural areas. Global perspective The international mobility of the workforce is relatively limited. Diminished sickness absence. Better integration on the labour market. Demographic development. 14 midtvask has received several awards. In 2007 midtvask received both the MIA award and Netværksprisen. Visible evidence that the work environment is good is given by the fact that short term sickness absence is down to 2.5%. 15

9 The Regional Council will: Qualify the selection of new focus areas to increase the supply of labour, upgrade the qualifications of the unemployed, prevent and shorten sickness and absence of recipients of benefits from the labour market. Qualify the selection of new focus areas to upgrade the qualifications of the workforce and increase the flexibility of those employed. Analyze how regional positions of strength may contribute to attracting manpower from the outside world. The Regional Council recommends: The State to support the opportunities for: Increasing and upgrading the qualifications of the workforce. Supporting a sustainable population development in all parts of the region. Establishing new public workplaces in the region within its positions of strength. Supporting a sustainable population development in the areas of strength. Recruiting and retaining qualified foreign labour. Employers must upgrade the qualifications of their employees and attract foreign labour where there is scarcity

10 Education VISION In 2030 the Central Denmark Region will have a coherent and extensive educational system, which will ensure opportunities for lifelong learning and support internationalized growth and development. Desired development Better coherence must be ensured between The different educational levels. Education institutions in and outside the region. Practice and teaching. Leading companies and institutions in and outside the region. The government has established the objective that 95% of all young people must, in the long term, complete an upper secondary education whilst 45% must complete higher education. In the Central Denmark Region special measures are required to reach that target. Cities and rural areas Education must be accessible to the population in the rural areas. Distance teaching, among other things, may help increase the supply of education. Global perspective Challenges The region must be known for a high level of mobility on all educational levels. Increase the number of young people who complete upper secondary and higher education. There should be focus on cooperation with regions abroad. Increase the educational level everywhere. The possibility of virtual institution cooperations. Increase the interest in the natural science area. Improve the physical and digital infrastructure. Increase the international exchange of students

11 The Regional Council will: The physical extent of Aarhus University in the Central Denmark Region. The physical extent of VIA University College in the Central Denmark Region. Concerning recruitment and retention, support is needed for the following initiatives: All young people obtaining a qualifying education. Raising the overall level of education. Ensuring necessary supply of labour. Supporting regional positions of strength. Increasing the number of student jobs. Concerning internationalization support is needed for the following initiatives: International cooperations within the region s positions of strength. Enhanced attractiveness as an education, research and employment region. Support of international cooperations by integrating information technology into education. Analysing the interplay possibilities between educational, labour market and business policy. Concerning innovation, support is needed for the following initiatives: Establishing new education programmes which support the regional positions of strength. Cooperation between different educational institutions and companies. Supporting the ability for innovation in small and medium-sized companies. 20 The Regional Council recommends: The Danish Ministry of Education to utilize an allocation system, which takes into consideration the geographical spread of the education choices. 21

12 Health VISION In 2030 the citizens of the Central Denmark Region possesses constitutions, quality of life and social networks, which enable greater commitment to the outside world and responsibility for their own lives. The Health Service has a large socio-economic significance as a source of growth and development. Desired development Widespread and lifestyle diseases must be broadly reduced in the population in a holistic health promoting effort. This must be a decentralized public health service, which is still based on easy, equal and free access to a quality health service, characterized by closeness and freedom of choice. The medical practice sector and the prehospital effort support a fast and correct treatment procedure when and where it is required. The practice sector is at the same time active with regards to health promotion and patient education, and thus the prevention of hospitalisations. The health service still has a high and documented quality with easy access to relevant information for the citizens. Health measures are increasingly dominated by prevention. Here, screening for cervical cancer at the Regional Hospital in Skive. 22 In the future, research, education and development will also be an integrated part of the health care enterprise on all levels. A health service which, through the use of new technology and optimal organisation of human resources, meets the demands and expectations of the citizens for treatment of a highly professional quality, patient safety and coherence between services, communica- tion and course of treatment. The perspective of the citizens is increasingly drawn into the development of the health service through, for instance, user surveys. Challenge Consideration of quality vs. the consideration of closeness in the supply of health services. Coordination of the joint health effort. Recruitment and retention of qualified staff. Cities and rural areas Access to health services, including emergency and specialist treatment, is important to people settling in the area. Global perspective In order to maintain a high quality of prevention, diagnostics, treatment, care and rehabilitation it is necessary to cooperate internationally with regard to research and development of the health services. 23

13 The Regional Council will: Through the preparation of a collective health plan for the region ensure that all parts of the health service contribute to totality in the health effort. Increase the incentive for quality development in the health services. In the case of a need for emergency aid ensure that the citizens get fast and highly qualified treatment irrespective of time or place. Create organisational development in general practice to ensure closeness and coherence in the health servicing of the citizens of the region, as well as relieving the pressure on the remainder of the health care system. Increase the effort in the cancer area through faster treatments. Develop cooperation with the municipalities. Target the effort for citizens with chronic illnesses. Involve the users in the development of a medical cooperation, as well as more rational hospital operations. Continually adapt the structural framework in order to ensure fast and efficient treatment. A health care system at the forefront of the utilisation and development of technological auxilliary systems. Qualifying initiatives, decisions and the debate about the best conditions for health and well-being. Encourage municipalities, companies educational institutions, interest organisations etc. to also focus on the promotion of health. Strengthen and develop the social cohesion of the entire region through the operation of the health service. 24 The Regional Council recommends: All actors pay attention to their role in the prevention of lifestyle diseases among other things by contributing to a healthy diet and good exercise habits. The state must support the region as an independent political player, which can plan, develop, prioritize and make decisions concerning the health effort with a starting point in the particular needs, challenges and opportunities that apply to the region and in West Denmark as a whole. The state must enter into continual constructive dialogue concerning the professional and financial framework. 25

14 Culture Herning has come a long way since the days of being a textile city only. Right next to Herning Modern Art Museum is the Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfeldt museum. Established in 1976 as one of the few artists museums in Denmark. 26 VISION In 2030 the Central Denmark Region will be the best collaborating cultural region regionally and internationally. Desired development Challenges Culture is a generator and incentive for development, quality of life and new ways of thinking. Everywhere in the region we have a rich and varied cultural life, which makes the region an attractive area to educate oneself, to work in, to live in and to visit. The establishment of networks and development projects among the professional cultural players in the region. The cultural institutions and the professional cultural players are part of a series of collaborative networks, which also involve private and public parties, and which show new ways of development in the entire region. In the collaborating cultural region there are no peripheral areas. Cities and rural areas Global perspective Artists and cultural institutions have many informal international contacts, which are a potential resource for increased international cooperation. 27

15 The Regional Council will: Subsidize development-oriented, professional and interdisciplinary networks in the cultural area. Develop a regional cultural policy and provide subsidies which will support this within the following three focal points: Development Work toward the innovative potential of culture in art, science and communication so it will be realised and widely integrated. Network Cooperate on specific projects. Contribute to the establishment of development-oriented networks between the cultural players. Work towards professional cultural networks contributing to the cohesion and identity of the region. 28 Initiate partnership(s) with one or more municipalities regarding development projects. International outlook and cooperation: Create tools for development as an international growth region. The Regional Council recommends: The state should support the possibilities for: The spreading of culture from state cultural institutions. Cooperation between the cultural institutions and other players. Innovation and profiling. A rich and diverse cultural life in sparsely populated areas. 29

16 Nature and environment VISION In 2030 nature and landscape will have an increased quality and cohesion, where there is balance between the use and protection of the nature. The state of the organic environment is good, the groundwater resources are protected and the region is still self-sufficient with clean drinking water. Desired development Nature will be developed for the benefit of animals and plants. Nature may also be used as a resource for the citizens, tourists and businesses of the region. Development of nature: By cities and along the larger roads Larger connected natural areas Agricultural areas Cities and rural areas In 2030 the region will still be self-sufficient with clean drinking water. Important raw materials will be extracted before the areas are to be used for other purposes. Raw material areas which are close to cities will be utilized first and subsequently developed as natural areas. Natures close to cities are important recreational areas for the cities population and should be kept clear of any other use. The primary production of food has great significance for the landscape in the rural areas in the region. In rural areas the nature must be developed with consideration of nature itself and for recreation, living, tourism etc. Challenges Global perspective In the Central Denmark Region 2 of the newly established national parks, Mols Bjerge and Skjern Å are located. Here is a view from Mols Bjerge towards Kalø Vig. 30 Balance between the use and protection of nature. Prevention of pollution. Climate changes and air pollution are global challenges that demand international solutions. There is an international agreement on strategies for sustainable development Agenda

17 The Regional Council will: Analyse which elements in the water and nature plans are significant to the visions in the Regional Development Plan. Support dialogue to ensure growth and development on a qualitative and sustainable basis with respect for different conditions for growth. Create an overview of the possibilities for using the natural resources in the area. Examine how access to the open land can be maintained and expanded, giving access to natural resources while also using the areas for agriculture. Influence the development of a sustainable agricultural production. 32 Cooperate with the municipalities about strategies for disposing of contaminated soil and protecting ground water. Analyze the extent of the effect of known pollution sources on the prospects of realizing the visions in the Regional Development Plan. Cooperate with the municipalities on mapping the expected consequences of climate changes. The Regional Council recommends: The state should focus on global climate changes and the derived local challenges. 33

18 Energy The Central Denmark Region has a larger share of renewable energy sources than other Danish regions. On Samsø complete self-sufficiency of electricity has been achieved from windturbines. VISION In 2030 the production of renewable energy in the Central Denmark Region will constitute at least half of all the energy consumed in the region. The Central Denmark Region is among the leading regions in Europe with regards to research, innovation and the utilisation of renewable energy. In the long term, the region will be independent of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Desired development Innovation and integration of new renewable energy sources within the field of energy have decisive significance for the earnings in the entire region and for the high levels of employment. Lessen the environmental impact connected to energy production and consumption and contribute to meeting Denmark s international obligations for the discharge of greenhouse gasses, sustainability and biodiversity. Cities and rural areas Challenges Counter unreliable supply routes with alternative solutions. Create growth and business development with the starting point in the region s physical resources for energy production with a basis in the existing energy technological business structure. Ensure that necessary further development occurs on the basis of and with the support of the population. 34 The region houses 1/3 of Denmark s agricultural land and 1/3 of the livestock production. Energy crops, livestock manure and residue can improve the environmental condition dramatically. Global perspective Through increased usage of renewable energy sources the Central Denmark Region can contribute positively to the improvement of the global environment. 35

19 The Regional Council will: Work towards the region extending its commercial position of strength in the energy area. Enter into cooperations about making the region independent of the use of fossil fuels in the long run. Support the development and use of clean and new energy technology in the operation of its own institutions and public transport, in purchases and in construction. Work to designate a test area for large windturbines. Work towards a plan of action for cities in the region, which may act as showcases. The Regional Council recommends:: The state should work towards: Demonstration facilities in the energy area. Test and development facilities for windturbines in the region. Testing and certification systems for biomasses in the region. Renewable Energy (RE) municipalities and cities. Energy efficient examples of cities. Involve the Central Denmark Region in connection with the UN s climate conference in

20 The container harbour in Aarhus is Denmark s largest with 1500 ships calling and nearly one million container units with a total weight of 12.1 million ton. Infrastructure VISION In 2030 the Central Denmark Region will be a region in balance with good accessibility and good connections with the outside world. Desired development Cities and rural areas The development and upgrading of roads and railways in the Central Denmark Region, so the capacity will meet the increase in traffic. Goods transport increasingly utilizes multi-modal transport of which road, water, air and railway are part. Easy access from the entire region to the European traffic net. The Central Denmark Region contains one large city, larger and smaller cities, as well as rural areas with various conditions for development. There is a need for solutions which support the development in the entire region and create a region in balance with good cohesion. IT-infrastructure enables settling and distance work everywhere in the region. Challenges Designing the infrastructure to contribute to: Supporting the regional development and growth. Creating cohesion between city areas. Being a lever for thinly populated areas. Ensuring mobility for a well-educated and specialized workforce. Enabling settling and localization of companies everywhere in the region. Ensuring access to education, hospitals and other institutions everywhere in the region. Improving traffic safety and the environment, as well as reducing the energy consumption. 38 Global perspective The Central Denmark Region must be an international growth region based on good connections with the outside world. This requires access to, from and through the region for goods and people. The airports and harbours in the Central Denmark Region are a significant part of the infrastructure, and it is important that access to them is improved in the near future. 39

21 The Regional Council will: A region in balance Work towards an infrastructure that strengthens the development in the city areas and creates the basis for optimal development conditions in sparsely populated areas. Upgrade the main roads. Make public transport more attractive for those who commute between cities over longer distances to work as well as education. Work towards re-alignment of tracks, (re)opening stations, more double-tracked stretches and more electrified railway stretches. Accessibility Work to increase the capacity on the road network. Work towards utilizing the options in intelligent transport systems. Work towards establishing a light railway in the Aarhus area, combined with suburban and regional lines. Work towards moving more long distance goods from the road to the sea and railway. Work towards better access to and from the airports. Work towards extending the broadband infrastructure. Connections to the outside world Work towards a fast connection for high-speed trains and cars across Kattegat. Work towards establishing a circle line for highspeed trains between Copenhagen-KattegatAarhus-Odense-Copenhagen. Work towards a speedy upgrading of the railway network. Work towards easy access to the European motorways from the entire region Work towards the development of more efficient harbour systems. The Regional Council recommends: The state should realise: Light railway starting in Aarhus High-class road/motorway between Viborg and Aarhus Expansion of motorway E45 from Randers to Kolding Motorway between Herning and Holstebro North Permanent connection across Kattegat for cars and high-speed trains Completion of already determined projects, among these: The motorway Aarhus-Silkeborg-Herning The motorway Herning-Vejle Establishment of the northern motorway hinge by Randers, Sdr. Borup-Assentoft. Tunnel under Marselis Boulevard and Extension of Aahavevej in Aarhus and general upgrading of the main roads in the region. Upgrading and modernisation of the railway net Municipalities: Must include the development of the harbours in the municipality strategy. Work towards making broadband accessible to all citizens and companies. Ensure accessibility and good infrastructure in the planning of new residential and commercial areas The state and the municipalities: Must create cohesion in the overall infrastructure of the region through physical planning

22 VISION Public transport In 2030 the users in the region will experience public transport as reliable and with close connections between the municipal and regional routes. The collected network will ensure the cohesion of the region and link us to the rest of the world.. Desired development Public transport must be developed in order to compete in actual fact with cars on a series of main stretches. Public transport must be a good supplement to individual transport outside the larger cities and in more sparsely populated areas. Cities and rural areas Moreover public transport must be planned and extended to constitute a realistic alternative to a second family car in the entire region. There must be good public transport services in the cities as well as in the country side. The services will be adapted to the population density of the area and to the actual use. Challenges Attractive transport offers for work and education, and easy access to specialized service and to the cultural and recreational activities, which are mainly available in the large cities. Today, all the busses in the region from Arriva and Aarhus Sporveje operate on diesel with 5% Danish produced bio-diesel added. 42 Good coherence for the physical planning. Reduced car traffic in and between the large city areas. Less overcrowding problems and as a consequence less impact on the environment. Global perspective Public transport in the region must ensure easy access to the outside world via road networks, railways, harbours and airports. 43

23 The Regional Council will: The Regional Council recommends: Cooperate with Midttrafik and the municipalities on a coherent public traffic system. The Regional Council will work towards: Easy access to work and education. Easy access to specialised service, recreational and cultural attractions. Reducing traffic in the large city areas. Busses and trains on time Developing train traffic. Supply and demand controlled traffic which gives better quality for money. Improving the environment, among other things launch trials using non-fossil fuels in regional busses. Efficient utilization of resources. The state Upgrading of the train services with fast and constant connections. Electrification of railway stretches. (Re)opening stations The state, municipalities and Midttrafik Light railway system combined with local and regional lines, and co-ordinated with busses and main-line trains. The state should enter into the construction financing of the light railway. Municipalities and Midttrafik Supply and demand controlled services, where the demand for transport is small. Municipalities Traffic services as an integrated part of the planning of residential and commercial areas

24 How can the Regional Development Plan be applied? An increasing number of young people must complete upper secondary education. The citizens of the region must have the opportunity for lifelong learning. The state can use it The municipalities can use it Access to the European traffic net from all over the region must be convenient. The Regional Development Plan for the Central Denmark Region gives an insight into understanding the region and the challenges it faces. As input for the national planning, the Regional Development Plan contains, among other things: The Regional Development Plan is first and foremost a tool for dialogue for a wide circle of players, among these the municipalities. In 2030 at least half the energy consumed in the region must come from renewable energy sources. For the municipalities and region the Regional Development Plan is a shared platform, which describes the desired future development from coast to coast. This shared platform can, among other things, be used for recommendations to the state, as has happened in with the form of shared input for the Danish Infrastructure Commission. The continued self-sufficency of clean drinking water must be ensured. Other regional players, among these businesses, citizens and interest organisations can use it. In relation to the strategic planning of the municipalities, the Regional Development Plan contains a series of overall markers, for example: In the Regional Development Plan for the Central Denmark Region, the Regional Council expresses their visions for the development of the region. Denmark needs an overall infrastructure, which takes into consideration the possibilities for regional development in the entire Central Denmark Region. Better interplay between the Øresund Region and the extended urban corridor of Eastern Jutland is a precondition for a coherent Denmark. There is a need for a differentiated utilisation of, for example, planning and nature protection legislation, which reflects the local reality. The region has commercial strengths from coast to coast, in the areas of environment and energy, food development, tourism, as well as in furniture and clothing. As a collaborating cultural region the Central Denmark Region has no peripheral areas. 46 The region s positions of strength must be exploited for the continued development of the region. It has been prepared in cooperation with regional players and will continue to be developed in close dialogue. A considerable contribution to the visions have been the Anna Amalia processes where, in 2007, more than 2500 citizens at 130 tea salons contributed with ideas to the development of the region. The Regional Development Plan for the Central Denmark Region can provide inspiration for focus points, action plans and priorities in the planning and development work of all the regional actors. The process surrounding the Regional Development Plan continually seeks to create coherence between among other things, the business development strategy of the Growth Forum, the employment strategy of Beskæftigelsesrådet (the Employment Council), local and regional Agenda 21 strategies, regional strategies within, for example, education, culture and health, rural area programmes and other local and regional strategies. The ideas from the Anna Amalia process are gathered in an idea bank, which can be found on the region s homepage. Of the nearly 1000 ideas quite a few have been sent on to the state and municipalities. The idea bank also contains ideas which are outside the immediate sphere of state, region and municipality operations, but which may inspire other players. The cities must be catalysts for growth. The regional development effort must be adapted to fit the various conditions in the different areas of the region. 47

25 Central Denmark Region Regional Development Skottenborg 26 DK Viborg www. ru.rm.dk Grafisk Service C