Avoin Ry organized Go Mallusjoki! 24.7.2025 in Mallusjoki, Finland. The goal of the event was to collectively create new ways to market local events and support communal development, as well as provide participants with the chance to learn about PoliRuralPlus AI tools. To maximize local participation, the event was organized as a part of Takinkääntöviikko, a music festival by Mallusjoki Youth Association.
In preparation for the event, we reached out to more than ten regional stakeholders, including a marketing company, a senior home, and an organic farm, inviting many of them personally to attend. We also planned the ideathon themes according to the areas for development specified in the Mobilize Call program: supporting the local event industry ecosystem, fostering rural-urban interaction, and enhancing regional attractiveness.
The ideathon took place on the evening of 24.7.2025. The event was opened by Kalle Larsson, Mayor of Orimattila, and introduced by Anu Taipale, Executive Director of Päijänne-Leader. Both talked about Mallusjoki’s significance for regional development and welcomed EU-funded projects as accelerators of this progress in their speeches. During the main portion of the event, participants produced altogether 51 event and service concepts, many combining culture, nature, and digital solutions. Ideas covered branding and public-private partnerships, creative digital tools to engage local youth, and climate-resilient rural experiences, to name a few. Key themes for ideas included strengthening local identity and youth engagement.
According to the survey conducted by the team during the event, there was a high level of acceptance for using AI in regional development. All participants had the opportunity to explore and comment on PoliRuralPlus AI tools with expert guidance, and to give anonymous feedback on the current state of development in the Mallusjoki area.
After the event, Avoin Ry, Sara Vilander, Director of Vitality for the City of Orimattila, and Finnish project partners analyzed and further developed the ideas in collaboration with other stakeholders. This ensured the long-term impact of the Ideathon on local communities and enterprises and contributed to rural–urban interaction.
As a part of Pilot 5 in the Finnish Mallusjoki rural district, Go Mallusjoki! has contributed to the Regional Action Plan, enhancing well-being through community engagement and unlocking new economic opportunities linked to cultural tourism and green innovation.
The ideathon received funding from the PoliRuralPlus project, which is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under a grant agreement No 101136910.
Pictures (left to right): Preparing for Go Mallusjoki!, ideathon in full speed, testing the AI tools, a beautiful day for communal brainstorming
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