Finland Investment Institute

Mission and objectives

International competition for capital is fiercer than ever. The Finland Investment Institute (FII) is a multidisciplinary research unit and platform for dialogue that seeks to identify barriers to investment and find ways to remove them.

The Institute connects insights from business, political decision-makers, public authorities and other stakeholders with high-quality academic research. Its aim is to use research-based knowledge to make Finland a more attractive destination for investment.

Attracting more investment requires a deeper understanding of the factors that influence investment decisions. The Institute examines issues such as the speed of permitting processes, the predictability of regulation and access to skills and expertise. It also explores how financing is channelled into new projects — and why some potential investments fail to materialise.

Ways of working

The Institute focuses on the dynamics of investment and on how global developments affect Finland’s competitiveness. In addition to the University of Vaasa, Borenius, Sitra and other key Finnish actors committed to strengthening Finland’s investment climate have been among the initiators of the Institute.

Research and data: The Institute produces multidisciplinary research and expands education to help Finland regain its position among the most attractive investment destinations. Research-based knowledge provides an up-to-date basis for decision-making and sheds light on why investments are made — or why they do not go ahead.

Dialogue: The Institute acts as a neutral platform for dialogue on themes that are central to investment. It also identifies new perspectives and under-researched topics.

Academic leadership and research

Professor Bonnie Buchanan serves as the Academic Director of the Finland Investment Institute. She provides academic leadership for the Institute and contributes to its research direction, academic quality and international research networks. An internationally recognised scholar in finance, her expertise spans sustainable finance, fintech and the role of artificial intelligence in finance and investment.

Dr Katja Kolehmainen serves as the Research Director of the Finland Investment Institute. She builds collaboration between researchers, businesses, policymakers, public authorities and other stakeholders and contributes to developing the Institute’s research agenda and research initiatives. She brings more than 25 years of experience in strategy, transformation and management, combining an academic background with extensive experience working with companies and senior leadership.

Upcoming events

The Institute was launched at an opening seminar held in Helsinki on 20 May 2026. Its work will continue at the following expert events:

Nordic Impact Week | October 4–10, 2026
Stanford Energy Nexus | October 21–22, 2026

The Finland Investment Institute (FII) at the University of Vaasa will participate in Nordic Impact Week in Silicon Valley on October 4–10, engaging with researchers, investors, venture capital firms and other stakeholders to bring international perspectives into its research on Finland’s investment environment.

Planned discussions include meetings with representatives from Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, investment organisations and the wider Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem. Later in October, FII will continue the dialogue through participation in Stanford Energy Nexus.

Past events

SuomiAreena discussion live and stream 23 June 2026 at 11:00
A discussion organised by the University of Vaasa at the Kirkkolava stage at SuomiAreena in Pori:  Velka-Suomesta vetovoima-Suomeksi (in Finnish)

FII and Sitra - AI Cubic for Investments and Growth 12 August 2026 at 12:00
Wasa Future Festival- Launch of the Finland Investment Institute & AI Cubic for Economic Growth / Minna Martikainen (Vaasan yliopisto), Atte Jääskeläinen (SITRA), Pekka Koponen (Vaasan yliopisto)