Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Europe has fundamentally altered the landscape for Finland, particularly with its recent NATO membership and the closure of the Russian market. This might sound discouraging, but I believe these circumstances will pave the way for a bright and promising future for Finland.

A strong collective will has emerged, uniting various stakeholders in a shared mission to build something remarkable.

When we later reflect on this period, I anticipate it will be seen as a time when Finland reinvented itself. There’s a great enthusiasm and drive within the country to redefine our identity as so much has changed since the days of Nokia and Artek. A strong collective will has emerged, uniting various stakeholders in a shared mission to build something remarkable. This spirit of cooperation and mutual listening is becoming evident.

Furthermore, a comprehensive upgrade of our supercomputer, Lumi, is underway. This will most likely significantly accelerate drug development, particularly when integrated with AI and quantum technologies.

This transformation is manifesting itself in numerous ways. Our parliament has committed to raise public research-and-development investments to 4% of our GDP by 2030. We are overhauling our industrial policy to align with a vision for the future, and biotechnology and life sciences are also mentioned as areas of focus. We are also enhancing our national infrastructure to facilitate funding for deep technology solutions and increasing public investment in these areas. Furthermore, a comprehensive upgrade of our supercomputer, Lumi, is underway. This will most likely significantly accelerate drug development, particularly when integrated with AI and quantum technologies. How exciting!

It felt like Finland lost its momentum after the financial crisis, and it has taken 16 years to rediscover it. The turbulence of recent years has taught us that everything is about “not knowing”, but don’t let that stop you from doing your thing anyway – and with passion. 

About the author

This column was originally written by Alexandra Peth, Managing Director, Finnish Bioindustries, for NLS magazine No 04 2024, out November 2024.