The Fehmarn connection should not only be measured by construction and billion-dollar investments. It should also be translated into growth in local businesses. That message came from EU top executive Sofia Alves at the conclusion of Business Lighthouse Fehmarn, which is a project aimed at helping companies take advantage of the opportunities surrounding the connection.
Sofia Alves, who is the director of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, DG REGIO, highlighted Fehmarn as an example of how large infrastructure investments can also foster development in the businesses and local communities surrounding the project.
- The real challenge is not just to create new businesses, but to enable existing ones to scale and thrive, says Sofia Alves in a press release.
She points out that Fehmarn, with support from EU funding, demonstrates how targeted investments can help strengthen local businesses in areas where a strong business ecosystem does not yet exist.
New collaborations
According to Business House Zealand, more than 130 companies have entered into new collaborations, developed innovative solutions, and strengthened their business through Business Lighthouse Fehmarn.
Behind the project are, among others, Erhvervshus Sjælland together with educational institutions, knowledge environments, and business partners. The effort has focused on sustainable mega infrastructure and business development based on the Fehmarn Belt connection.
At Erhvervshus Sjælland, the point is that large investments do not automatically create local growth.
- The Fehmarn connection does not create local growth by itself. It must be converted into opportunities for businesses, says director Line Fossing Riel.
