Where Will Finland’s Next Growth Leap Come From?
On 1 June 2026, the MAKE Leaders Forum gathered online together with Technology Industries of Finland to discuss the themes that will shape Finland’s competitiveness and economic growth in the years ahead. The discussion was based on Technology Industries of Finland’s growth-oriented key messages being prepared for the 2027 parliamentary elections, as well as insights from companies across the MAKE network on the priorities policymakers should consider in future decision-making.
The discussion highlighted that the future success of Finnish industry will be built around five closely interconnected themes: skills and talent, research and development, investments, sustainable growth, and a competitive operating environment.
Skills Are the Most Important Enabler of Growth
Technology Industries of Finland’s message is clear: raising the level of education is a fundamental prerequisite for growth. According to industry estimates, Finland’s technology sector will require approximately 140,000 new professionals over the next decade, the majority of whom will need higher education qualifications. At the same time, skilled vocational professionals will be needed in manufacturing, maintenance, and service operations.
The Leaders Forum discussions emphasized that the shortage of skilled talent is already affecting many industries. Addressing this challenge requires more than increasing university intake. Closer collaboration between companies and educational institutions, stronger work-based learning opportunities, and attracting international talent to Finland were all identified as critical actions. Participants also stressed the importance of a regional perspective, highlighting that talent is needed throughout Finland, not only in major growth centres.
Increased R&D Investment Is Only the Starting Point
Finland has committed to increasing research, development, and innovation (RDI) investments to four percent of GDP. However, simply increasing funding is not enough. The discussion underscored the importance of transforming research outcomes into new products, services, and export-driven business opportunities.
From a business perspective, innovation often emerges through experimentation. Participants highlighted the need for more pilot projects, testing environments, and opportunities to trial new ideas—even when not every initiative results in immediate commercial success. A strong culture of experimentation creates the foundation for future growth companies and export products.
Investment Competition Is Global
Geopolitical developments, the green transition, and rapid technological change have triggered a global race for investments. Finland is no longer competing only with neighbouring countries but with investment destinations around the world. Technology Industries of Finland emphasizes that attracting investments requires a predictable business environment, efficient permitting processes, and long-term industrial policy.
Forum participants discussed how Finland can become a more attractive investment destination. From the companies’ perspective, investments in technology, product development, and people are among the most effective ways to improve productivity. In particular, investments in workforce development were viewed as one of the fastest routes to strengthening competitiveness.
Data Economy and Artificial Intelligence Enable the Next Phase of Growth
Many participants highlighted the growing importance of data, automation, and artificial intelligence in industrial competitiveness. Data is no longer merely a supporting function; it has become a strategic production factor that connects automation, AI, circular economy solutions, and sustainability reporting.
At the same time, companies expressed concerns about the potential impact of EU data regulation on competitiveness. Particular attention was given to recognising the specific characteristics of industrial data, protecting trade secrets, and ensuring regulatory predictability. These factors were seen as essential for enabling innovation and attracting investments, reflecting broader advocacy efforts across the technology and ICT sectors.
Resilience and Sustainability Are Competitive Advantages
The discussions also strongly emphasized industrial resilience. Security of supply, critical technologies, resilient supply chains, and the ability to adapt rapidly to changing conditions have become increasingly important competitive factors. Technology Industries of Finland sees resilience as an integral part of industrial renewal and export capability development.
Sustainability was likewise viewed as an enabler of business growth. Finland’s competitive advantage will not be built solely on domestic emissions reductions but also on the ability of Finnish companies to provide solutions that reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency globally. Access to clean and reliable energy was repeatedly identified as one of Finland’s strongest competitive advantages.
A Shared Message to Policymakers
Based on the Leaders Forum discussions, the message to policymakers is clear: Finland’s future growth will not result from individual measures but from long-term policies that strengthen skills, research and innovation, investments, competitiveness, and industrial renewal.
Companies within the MAKE community expressed a strong shared ambition for Finland to be a country where it is worthwhile to invest, innovate, manufacture, and grow. Achieving this requires collaboration and the courage to make decisions whose impact extends beyond a single government term.
The discussion will continue in future Leaders Forum events as MAKE continues to gather industry perspectives and ensure that the voice of manufacturing is strongly represented in decision-making that will shape Finland’s future.
About the MAKE Leaders Forum Community
The MAKE Leaders Forum is an exclusive community for leaders and decision-makers from partner organisations to drive strategic influencing activities. It provides a dedicated platform for high-level dialogue, enabling participants to shape the direction of the ecosystem and strengthen its influence on the future of Finnish manufacturing.