Energy for innovation comes from the community

The Scot James Finlayson had his cotton factory built in Tampere in the 1820s. The rapids at Tammerkoski generated the energy and Finlayson grew to be the largest industrial premises in the Nordic region. So where do we find the energy today to drive innovations? Technological capability is a plus, but it alone is not enough. You need... Read more

Blessed everyday life

At the end of last year my one and a half year study leave came to an end. I’ve got to admit that the thought of returning to work horrified me. And since drawing into an Asian monastery did not seem to be a viable long-term option, what awaited me was the inevitable return to my familiar office surroundings. True to my cynical nature I spent... Read more

Maximum use should be made of the World Design Capital year

Highlighting design in the cityscape and in the everyday life of ordinary people is the goal of the World Design Capital year. For companies this year provides a great opportunity to achieve visibility and to promote their business. As well as design companies, there are other companies, whose profile is not traditionally linked with design,... Read more

Paternity month is every father’s right

From the start of the year I’m on leave for five weeks, hooray! Have I been saving my annual leave? No. Unpaid holiday? No, no. I’m taking a six week so-called paternity month, meaning I can set off with my family to China to spend the local New Year with my wife’s relatives and my children’s grandparents. In Finland, as is the case now in... Read more

Finland to be the world leader in material-frugal design

Finnish cleantech solutions require good design in order to compete effectively out in the world.  This year the World Design Capital Helsinki will also highlight the question of material efficiency which is one of the pre-requisites of internationally successful design. From the individual’s perspective material efficiency, pared down, means... Read more

A new perspective on tackling climate change

According to a number of surveys Finland has even been ranked the best country in the world. It rose to first place for competitiveness and for sustainable development during my premiership. We have a high level of expertise matched by an ability to organize things. Our welfare model is world famous. Finland is also famous around the world for... Read more

Finland and the EU to promote sustainable development

The external policies are currently being created for the European Union based on the Lisbon agreement. There are two basic options. The federalists have always had as their goal the development the EU into a US-type global power. It has been justified by saying that the EU is an economic giant, but a political dwarf. They would like to... Read more

Finland punching above its weight

Finland’s success is out in the world. We can’t create affluence just among ourselves.  The keys of success are co-operation and creativity. They are, and have been, our small nation’s most significant resources. One central task for the president is to make Finland both known and understood out in the world. We try to make ourselves heard... Read more

Finland on the road to making the right choices

As we consider Finland’s importance in the changing world, it is perhaps useful first to remind ourselves of all the good things we have. I would assert that Finland is one of the countries to have achieved most success following the Second World War and we have emerged from the shadow of the heavy burden of war into success. How come? The... Read more