When I was asked whether I would run in the municipal elections, I had never even considered it. If it had been about Espoo, my answer would have been a clear no. But Kauniainen? That’s a different story.
Why? Because smallness is our superpower.
Large cities make big decisions, but their machinery is slow. Bureaucracy is heavy, processes drag on, and decision-making cycles through endless hierarchies. Implementing change is costly and slow.
But Kauniainen – we are small. And that’s precisely why we have an advantage.
Smallness is not a limitation; it’s an opportunity to do things differently and innovate without fear. We have the chance to experiment, develop, and seek bold new ideas from around the world—not just as individual construction projects, but as a living, sustainable city that serves us all, both now and in the future.
Mini-Zürich? Boutique Innovation Hub? Or Something Even Bigger?
What if Kauniainen didn’t just talk about innovation but actually made it a reality?
Could Kauniainen become the Nordic boutique innovation hub—a green, human-centric, and sustainable community where high-quality living, future work models, and environmentally friendly urban planning come together?
We don’t need to be a Mini-Singapore, but could we be a Mini-Zürich? A city that seamlessly integrates green technology, high quality of life, and human-centered urban design.
But why stop there? Why not create something entirely our own?
Bold Innovations – What Can Kauniainen Do First?
Kauniainen can be a city that tests new ideas before anyone else and finances its development wisely.
One idea is Kauniainen’s Wind Power Ltd. Since we cannot build wind turbines in Kauniainen, why not become the first city in Finland to own its own renewable energy production elsewhere? Could we establish Kauniainen Wind Power Ltd and sell electricity to our residents at lower prices than the market rate?
At the same time, Kauniainen could attract high-level startups developing solutions in green technology, education, or sustainable construction. This would bring new jobs and vitality to the city.
Could we develop a small but globally recognized eco-district, combining carbon-neutral construction, community living, and new ways of working?
We don’t need massive population growth, but we can grow in influence. Kauniainen could form partnerships with other small, innovative cities and be a leader in an international network of pioneers.
Fast Decision-Making and Agility – We Act First, Others Follow
Kauniainen can make and execute decisions faster than larger cities because our governance is leaner and our residents’ voices are heard more clearly.
Why should zoning and construction take years? We have the opportunity to streamline processes and ensure that the city develops according to residents’ needs—not just outdated general plans.
Community and Influence – A City Truly Shaped by Its Residents
Kauniainen could be the first city in Finland where residents have direct, tangible influence on decision-making—every single month.
We could develop fast feedback channels, where residents can vote and give input on decisions in real time. We could also introduce “Innovation Weeks,” where new ideas are tested without long bureaucratic processes.
Small Cities Have a Global Advantage
It is often the small cities that change the world. The big ones follow when agile pioneers have already tested and implemented new models.
What if Kauniainen built partnerships with other small, innovative cities and shared knowledge?
Could we become the most well-known Nordic city for sustainable urban development and forward-thinking city planning?
Kauniainen – Small but Mighty
Kauniainen can be a city where smallness is a strength, and where innovation is not just talked about but actively executed.
Kauniainen Wind Power Ltd could be just the first example of how a bold, agile city can make decisions that others wouldn’t even dare to consider.
We don’t have to copy anyone—we can create our own model of what a modern, dynamic, and sustainable city can be.
We won’t wait for someone else to show us the way—we will decide what Kauniainen’s future will be.
What do you think? Can we make Kauniainen a city that others take inspiration from? Let’s continue the discussion and make this a reality!
