How do we make Finland a leading global investment hub?

Finland’s strengths – clean energy, natural resources, well-functioning infrastructure, and a safe operating environment – provide a strong basis for new investments. But how can these assets be turned into economic growth and new jobs?

The discussion will take place on Thursday 14 August from 16:00 to 17:00 at the How do we make Finland a leading global investment hub? event at Wasa Future Festival. The event can be followed on site at Wasa Innovation Center (Gerbyntie 16, Vaasa) or online via live stream.

The keynote will be delivered by Minister Joakim Strand, followed by a panel discussion seeking solutions to strengthen Finland’s position as an international investment location and to create sustainable growth. The panel will also consider whether project development could be accelerated without compromising sustainability targets, and how domestic financing and foreign investment could be attracted at the same time. New, innovative materials and products may require legislative support and creative financing solutions to enter the market. Proactive development of research infrastructure may also be a key to growth.

University of Vaasa to establish Investment Hub Finland to develop and strengthen Finland’s investment environment

Encouraged by businesses and stakeholders, the University of Vaasa is establishing the Investment Hub Finland centre, which will bring together companies, public sector actors, financiers, investors, researchers, and decision-makers to develop and strengthen Finland’s investment environment.

– The Finnish economy will not grow without a competitive and highly educated talent pool. Already now, the funding of higher education, research and science clearly lags behind our competitor countries. Foreign investors will not choose a country where the level of expertise is deteriorating and the number of highly educated professionals is falling. Companies are already investing with the 2030s in mind – now we must show international investors that Finland is committed to skills, research, and the workforce of the future. Otherwise, capital will flow out of the country, emphasises Rector Minna Martikainen of the University of Vaasa.

– Developing a successful and predictable investment environment requires the interplay of many factors and societal actors, as well as a shared understanding of the key elements for attracting investment. Finland needs an actor to promote dialogue on issues important for investment. It is also necessary, through broad-based cooperation and research, to identify ways to improve Finland’s investment environment, says Casper Herler, Partner at Borenius Attorneys Ltd.

How do we make Finland a leading global investment hub?

• Time: Thursday 14 August, 16:00–17:00
• Venue: Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square, Gerbyntie 16, Vaasa
• Participants: Joakim Strand, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering; Matias Mäkynen, Member of Parliament; Minna Martikainen, Rector, University of Vaasa; Olli Sipilä, CEO, Gasgrid Finland; Casper Herler, Partner, Borenius Attorneys;  Jonna Ryhänen, Deputy CEO, Elo, and Markku Kivistö, Business Finland.

Recorded live stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NONokA4dmwg

Photo by Sam Jamsen