Bornholm needs political direction – the coalition agreement is the first step
Opinion piece by Karen Bladt, Chair of Business Center Bornholm and Bornholm’s Business Council, and Christa Lodahl, Head of Business at Business Center Bornholm.
See the post at Bornholms Tidende here.
Bornholm is facing significant structural challenges: a labour shortage, pressure on business areas, demands for a green transition and a municipal economy under pressure. The new coalition agreement must therefore be seen as more than an internal political basis – it is a necessary response to a range of concrete business and societal needs that are vital for growth, investment and settlement.
The agreement contains several positive indicators. There is a recognition that Bornholm can only succeed if business, the municipality and civil society work in the same direction. It addresses key themes such as development, settlement and the green transition, and it indicates a willingness to prioritise the framework conditions for businesses. We acknowledge and appreciate that.
The agreement establishes the framework for:
- Business development and business friendliness, where the Environment and Business Committee must strengthen cooperation between businesses, the municipality and politicians, ensure efficient case processing and raise Bornholm's business friendliness.
- Strategic focus on Energy Island and business park, capable of creating new jobs, investment and technological development.
- Support for local strengths, including tourism, food, handicrafts and outdoor activities, with a focus on profitability and growth.
- Better frameworks for businesses through faster case processing, digitalisation and clear planning principles, which can attract new businesses, support generational change and increase the sale of commercial land.
Business Center Bornholm and the Bornholm Regional Business Council see the formation agreement as an important step – but we emphasise that ambitions only translate into real development when they are put into concrete action. We want to play an active role as a bridge between the business community and politicians, and contribute knowledge, analysis and experience from the island's businesses.
It is now crucial that ambitions are translated into action through a long-term business policy and in close cooperation between politicians, administration and the business community. The coalition agreement is an important first step – now it is about delivering results together.
We look forward to working together.
Karen Bladt, Chairman of Business Center Bornholm and the Bornholm Business Council
Christa Lodahl, Head of Business, Business Center Bornholm