8th International Conference of
Finland Futures Research Centre and Finland Futures Academy

in collaboration with Economic Geography, Pan-European Institute and Pori Unit
from Turku School of Economics

Changing Foresight Practices in Regional Development

– Global Pressures in Regional Possibilities

7–9 June 2006, Turku, Finland

Academic Courses

Finland Futures Academy (FFA) organises two academic courses parallel to the conference. Summer school is for under- and postgraduate students while Postgraduate course is designed for postgraduate level only.

Summer School

Regional Foresight (3/8 ECTS)
6-9 June, 2006
Turku School of Economics (TSE) in Turku, Finland

Themes and Aims
The FFA Summer School 2006 ‘Regional Foresight’ brings together students interested in Futures studies and Regional development&planning. Our themes are Regional development, Foresight and Long Range Planning. As visiting professors we have Kate Rowntree and Roddy Fox from Rhodes University, RSA.

The aims are:

  1. to introduce futures research methods for regional foresight and development
  2. to familiarise students with the present and future development in Africa through role playing simulations
  3. to present and discuss the themes and concepts of the conference

Registration
You can register at the Summer School at the conference website.

Contact Person
Johanna Ollila
Finland Futures Academy, Turku School of Economics
E-mail: johanna.ollila@tse.fi
Telephone: +358 2 4814 599

» More information...

Post Graduate Course

Regional Perspectives on Creative Economy (3 ECTS)

Description
The aim of the course is to explore the idea of culture and creativity as sources of regional wealth and job creation. The historical landmarks of the creative economy lie on the new economy, which was one of the “newcomers” of the 1990´s. Regional visions as memory constructions base themselves on historical development and local culture. Understanding creativity moves towards remarking any activity that produces symbolic products with heavy reliance on intellectual property. In near future, some regions demonstrate their intellectual resources by selling ideas of creative individuals. There are going to be “regional brands” in the crossroads of arts and businesses. Yet, the emergency of flourishing creative regions does not happen automatically. There is national and global competition for creative talents and persuading individuals needs attractive physical and mental surroundings.

In this course the students analyse the current status of regional development in the context of the creative economy. They question the trends that emerge as evident and find out nuances of regional diversity in implementing creative economy. By taking part in the conference and making use of the related written materials the students bring new sights into defining, constituting, understanding and implementing creative economy from regional perspective. Understanding the uniqueness of local cultures as necessary condition for balanced future developments is important.

Assessment
A written essay of max. 20 pages (click here for instructions). Final deadline for the essay is Wednesday August the 9th, 2006. Please send the essay either by post to Finland Futures Academy, Turku School of Business and Administration, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, 20500 Turku, Finland, or by e-mail to sari.soderlund@tse.fi.

Registration
You can register at the Summer School at the conference website.

Contact Person
Sari Söderlund
Finland Futures Academy, Turku School of Economics
E-mail: sari.soderlund@tse.fi
Telephone: +358 2 4814 525

» More information...