Paikkaperusteisiin

Paikkaperusteisiin is a Finnish term describing approaches, policies, and practices that are anchored in the specific geographic and social context of a place. The core idea is that local conditions—such as the environment, infrastructure, demographics, institutions, history, and culture—shape what works, and that solutions should be co-created with local residents and organizations. The term is used across fields including education, urban planning, public administration, and health services.

In education, paikkaperusteinen lähestymistapa or paikkaperusteiseen oppimiseen means curriculum and teaching practices that connect learning to the local environment, community needs, and regional resources, often involving fieldwork and local partners. In policy and planning, it implies tailoring strategies to the strengths and challenges of each locality rather than applying a one-size-fits-all national model. This approach typically relies on local data, participatory processes, and cross-sector collaboration.

Benefits of paikkaperusteisiin include greater relevance and legitimacy, more effective resource use by focusing on place-specific priorities, and stronger community engagement that can support sustainable outcomes. Challenges involve data availability, varying capacities among local actors, and the potential for fragmentation if coordination across regions is weak. Successful implementation generally requires clear governance, adequate funding, and deliberate efforts to balance local autonomy with regional coherence.

Etymology: the term combines paikka (place) and perusteinen (based on, grounded in) and is used in Finnish policy, education, and research to describe place-centered approaches.