N-LITE Partner Meeting in Finland: Driving Literary Tourism Innovation Across the NPA
In early April 2025, the N-LITE project convened its 14th partner meeting in the scenic Kainuu region of Finland.
Hosted by the Regional Council of Kainuu, the two-day gathering brought together project partners from across the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) region to assess progress, share insights, and continue shaping the future of Literary Tourism through immersive technology.
Strengthening Collaboration and Advancing Innovation
The meeting opened with an update from the Western Development Commission, N-LITE’s Lead Partner. Imelda McCarron set the tone by reflecting on the project’s achievements and reiterating the importance of cross-border cooperation. Karan Thompson, Cultural Enabler, also provided insights into the development of cultural tourism strategies – a core component of N-LITE’s vision.
One of the highlights was a presentation from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences on their progress in developing an immersive technology platform. Led by Kyösti Koskela and Niko Kuivalainen, the game development team has been collaborating with regional pilots to co-create engaging, tech-driven experiences rooted in local literature and culture.
Deepening Research and Planning for Legacy
Partners also reviewed the ongoing Research Survey Second Iteration, with a dedicated working group – led by Pia Brinkfeldt from Region Västerbotten, Sweden – set to take this forward. Karan Thompson facilitated planning discussions around the upcoming Our Europe, Our Voice content creation competition, which will provide a platform for youth engagement in cultural storytelling.
Looking ahead, partners began initial discussions on the final symposium, scheduled for spring 2026 in Galway, Ireland. The aim is to bring stakeholders together for a dynamic “world café” style event that fosters dialogue and knowledge exchange around cultural heritage, digital innovation, and sustainable tourism.
Celebrating Local Culture in Sotkamo and Kajaani
A significant aspect of N-LITE’s work involves grounding cutting-edge technology in authentic cultural narratives. During the visit, partners had the opportunity to explore the literary and historical richness of the Kainuu region.
A guided tour through Sotkamo highlighted the legacy of local author Veikko Huovinen. From the fire watch hut atop Vuokatti Hill where Huovinen wrote his first book, to the reconstructed office at Huovishuone, partners traced the footsteps of this famed forest-scientist and humorist. The tour beautifully demonstrated how local stories can be brought to life through immersive and place-based experiences – a key ambition of N-LITE.
The visit also included dinner at Haapala Restaurant and Brewery, a fine example of local entrepreneurship and sustainable gastronomy, perfectly aligning with N-LITE’s goal of supporting SMEs through cultural tourism.
Cultural Innovation and Literary Heritage
The following day began with the 4th Steering Group meeting, where project progress, operational updates, and risk reviews were addressed. After productive discussions, partners delved into more literary experiences, starting with a visit to Sotkamo’s striking new wooden library. Cultural producer Marko Karvonen showcased creative projects that combine heritage with modern technology, including a new collaborative music video based on Kainuu’s regional anthem The Song of the Hunger Land.
The final stop was the Eino Leino House in Kajaani – a replica of the national poet’s birthplace nestled on the shores of Lake Oulujärvi. Partners also visited Kajaani’s oldest building, Raatihuone, where they learned about Elias Lönnrot, compiler of the Finnish national epic Kalevala. Raimo Reinikainen provided an engaging performance of traditional rune-singing and expressed enthusiasm for N-LITE’s game-based reinterpretation of Kalevala.
N-LITE: Creating Lasting Impact in the NPA
The Finland partner meeting exemplified the essence of N-LITE – fostering cross-regional collaboration, celebrating literary heritage, and empowering local communities through digital innovation.
By merging storytelling with immersive technology, N-LITE is revitalising Literary Tourism across the NPA region. The project not only supports SMEs and cultural producers but also extends tourism seasons, promotes sustainability, and engages younger generations.
With strong momentum and a growing repository of insights and tools, N-LITE is well-positioned to leave a meaningful legacy that continues to inspire long after the project concludes in 2026.
