By Karen Bladt, Chair of the Business Council
A municipality's business-friendliness is created through favourable framework conditions such as efficient building case processing and accommodating authority service. It is of the utmost importance to the business community on Bornholm that these framework conditions function optimally and that the necessary resources are allocated for this from the municipal side.
However, these factors cannot stand alone.
Collaboration across self-interest, disciplines, political views and societal roles – with the best interests of Bornholm in mind. That is a capability we must strengthen and cultivate.
Business friendliness is largely about also to have an eye for the long-term opportunities for our local businesses and act purposefully on these when the time is right. Therefore, it commands great respect that Bornholm Regional Municipality took the lead on the vision of Bornholm as The Baltic Sea's green energy lighthouse, as the opportunity for further green activity on Bornholm arose in 2021.
Together for a green island
A consortium of private and public stakeholders on and off Bornholm joined forces last year and rolled up their sleeves to such effect that the application to the Danish Decentralised Business Promotion Board resulted in 27.2 million kroner to realise the vision of Bornholm as a green energy test island – with the initiation of main activities and smaller projects in 2022 and 2023.
One of the main activities is the establishment of the national centre for the utilisation of green energy from offshore wind turbines, which is scheduled to be housed in the old power station in Rønne. The ambition is for the location to become a national and international hub for actors, activities and investments within green energy.
The overarching, long-term goal is to contribute to Denmark's green transition – while simultaneously creating growth in Bornholm's businesses and thus jobs for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents of Bornholm. Therefore, at Business Center Bornholm, we have put a great deal of effort into this work.
In this regard, we would like to extend a huge thank you to Bornholm Regional Municipality for taking on the responsibility. The application process has been exemplary driven by the team in Development and Planning at Bornholm Regional Municipality in close collaboration with the broadly anchored consortium. One must not underestimate how complex it is to realise visions of this calibre and in such a short space of time. The fact that the municipality's team managed to create space for effective collaboration across so many different stakeholders deserves high praise. Thank you very much for that!
That is precisely what we can do here on Bornholm: cooperate across self-interest, areas of expertise, political views and roles in society – with the best interests of Bornholm in mind. It is a capability we must strengthen and cultivate – it is the key to a strong and well-functioning island community in the future.
So dear politicians and civil servants: you are always welcome to involve us in the work to create a better and stronger Bornholm. We will do the same. We have the same goal in mind.
Have a good day at work, everyone.
