MEET AND GREET | JYRI HÄKÄMIES
Finland – innovation-driven economy Text Paula Bergqvist Photos Kimmo Mäntylä/Lehtikuva
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ccording to Jyri Häkämies,
Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs, after tackling the acute debt crisis of the European Union, all attention must be turned to ensuring the competitiveness of Europe. Old tricks will no longer cut it – a whole bunch of new ones must be developed. Growth is one of the three cornerstones of the present government’s programme. “Everything depends on how well we can manage to boost the growth of companies. The creation of new innovations and development of competence is very much emphasised,” says Jyri Häkämies. The Ministry’s toolbox for supporting the growth and development of business includes tools such as the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation Tekes and VTT. 2
The minister believes that Finland, as a strong expert in digital technology, will develop intelligent solutions, for example for healthcare systems. “Improving productivity requires a major change in our ways of working. ICT technology has a lot to give in this respect.” Goal: leading country in clean technology
Finland aims to be among the leading countries in clean technologies. The global growth of environmental business will be strong in the near future – especially in the fields of energy efficiency, water supply and sewerage, and electricity production. Häkämies predicts that Finland has a ringside seat and an opportunity of being at the forefront of growth areas: clean technology business can help tackle the world’s great challenges. “Finland has strong expertise and global networks. The question is how can we refine VTT IMPULSE