Framework

The Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) is the leading city network in Northern Europe, representing cities of the 10 countries of the Baltic Sea Region (BSR).

General economic development of the UBC member cities is more and more effected by the increasing globalization. It has brought the world new opportunities, along with new challenges. Power balances are shifting, competition is growing and threats have become more diversified and less predictable. In this light the need for regional cooperation and collective action has become even more evident. The more integrated the global economic and financial system becomes, the weaker the ability of individual cities to steer their domestic economic and financial development. For this reason economic growth can only be shared and must be based on cooperation among cities and regions.

Business & Tourism Commission

With effect from 1st January 2014, the Commissions on Business and Tourism have merged.

The UBC Business & Tourism Commission provides a platform for policy development in the fields of economic recovery, long term economic development and employment.

We work along 4 complementary thematic strands that characterize our priorities

- Talent Attraction
- Smart Cities
- Knowledge Society
- Tourism and Marketing

Business & Tourism Commission Strategy 2014 ( 61.11 KB )

The Baltic Sea Region

The Baltic Sea Region is one of the leading growth and trading centers in the world. It comprises 10 countries and more than 100 million inhabitants. The BSR boasts stable democracies, institutional structures favorable to business, proximity of markets, good infrastructure, high levels of education, strong industrial traditions and a shared history of cooperation and trade.

Meetings 2014

Our meetings are open to politicians, experts and entrepreneurs.

April 2014 Kristiansand Talent Attraction Forum

The first meeting was hosted by the City of Kristiansand (Norway). The main topic was talent attraction and place branding with regards to both workforce and tourism.

Invitation Kristiansand Talent Attraction Forum

10 September 2014

The internal meeting of the steering committee was held in Kiel on 10 September 2014. The current projects and priorities for 2015 were discussed.

Seminar Baltic Sailing Camp, Commission on Business & Tourism

Strategic Partners

Baltic Development Forum

The Baltic Development Forum (BDF) is an independent non-profit networking organisation with members from large companies, major cities, institutional investors and business associations in the Baltic Sea Region. BDF works with a wide range of partners, including businesses, governments, regional organisations, research and media institutions. The network involves more than 7000 decision makers from all over the region and beyond. The mission of Baltic Development Forum is to promote the Baltic Sea Region as an integrated, prosperous and internationally competitive growth region.

Enterprise Europe Network

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is a key instrument in the EU's strategy to boost growth and jobs. Bringing together close to 600 business support organizations from more than 50 countries, EEN helps small companies seize the unparalleled business opportunities in the EU Single Market. Their member organizations include chambers of commerce and industry, technology centers, research institutes and development agencies.

International Association of Science Parks and areas of innovation

The International Association of Science Parks and areas of innovation (IASP) is the worldwide network of science parks and areas of innovation. IASP connects the professionals managing science, technology and research parks (STPs) and other areas of innovation and provides services that drive growth and effectiveness for their members. IASP members enhance the competitiveness of companies and entrepreneurs of their cities and regions, and contribute to global economic development through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the transfer of knowledge and technology.

Sophia Antipolis Science Parks

Sophia Antipolis Science Park, situated near the City of Nice, has served as a model for Science Parks, worldwide. It has developed at a continuous manner for more than 30 years. Today there are more than 1.414 companies, around 30.000 jobs, 5.000 students and 4.000 researchers.

Link to the former Commission on Business
Link to the former Commission on Tourism