Yhteisöpohjaisen

Yhteisöpohjaisen is a Finnish adjective meaning “community-based” or “based on the community.” It is formed from the noun yhteisö (community) and the suffix pohjainen (based on). The base form is yhteisöpohjainen; when describing a noun in different grammatical cases, the adjective inflects accordingly, for example yhteisöpohjaisen hankkeen (the goals of a community-based project) or yhteisöpohjaisia hankkeita (community-based projects).

In usage, yhteisöpohjainen describes approaches, models, or actions that are designed or guided by the community itself, rather than imposed from outside. It is commonly employed in discussions about participatory governance, local development, social services, and research methodologies that emphasize local relevance, ownership, and collaboration among residents. The term signals emphasis on collective input, shared decision-making, and bottom-up processes.

The concept is often contrasted with top-down or expert-led approaches. In policy and program contexts, yhteisöpohjaisen planning or implementation aims to incorporate local knowledge, resources, and networks to improve effectiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability. It is frequently associated with community development, citizen participation, and community-driven innovation.

Related terms include yhteisölähtöinen (community-led) and osallistava (participatory). While they overlap, yhteisöpohjainen tends to emphasize the basis in the community itself as the foundation for design and action, rather than merely involving the community in predefined plans.