Business Finland launches the Sustainable Manufacturing Finland program, which aims to strengthen innovation and production of manufacturing companies in a sustainable way. The program supports the business development and growth of these SMEs.
The manufacturing sector plays a key role in the Finnish public economy. The technology industry accounts for more than half of Finnish exports, and the sector as a whole employs as much as one third of the Finnish workforce, and generates more than 28 per cent of gross domestic product.
The Finnish manufacturing sector is a driving force in exports, but a decade has passed since the last dedicated national program.
- The Sustainable Manufacturing Finland program seeks to strengthen innovation and production in order to promote exports in the sector. As an indirect effect, up to 20,000 new jobs can be created in Finland for industrial SMEs. This has been evaluated by companies that have previously received funding for cleantech projects, tells Jarmo Heinonen, Senior Director, Bioeconomy, Circular Economy and Cleantech at Business Finland.
- Manufacturing sector investments have been scarce in Finland since the 2008 recession. Our goal is to both encourage investment from domestic companies and attract international investors and operators to Finland. Increasing the added value of exports is also crucial in order to improve the standing of Finnish companies in global manufacturing-industry value chains, Heinonen adds.
NEW EXPERTISE AND BUSINESS MODELS
Manufacturing efficiency can be improved through digitalization and by developing new business models and expertise in internationalization.
- As we cannot compete with low prices, we must find our competitive edge elsewhere, such as from responsibility, expertise and a skilled workforce, says Jarmo Raittila, Senior Adviser at Business Finland in charge of planning the program.
Business Finland also aims to create a more positive brand image for the manufacturing sector and favorable conditions for the growth of manufacturing activities in Finland.
THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Climate policy has a strong influence in manufacturing industry trends. The manufacturing sector must respond to increasingly strict requirements by legislators, financiers and companies higher in the value chain.
- Low-carbon solutions, circular economy and resource efficiency are key engines for growth and global demand. We must develop the capabilities of Finnish companies to meet this demand, says Kaisa Hernberg, Director, Cleantech Programs.
Sustainable Manufacturing Finland Program
See also: The Sampo Campaign ends – A new Program begins
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Senior Director Jarmo Heinonen
tel. +358 50 5577 717
jarmo.e.heinonen (at) businessfinland.fi
Expert Jarmo Raittila
tel. +358 50 323 2442
jarmo.raittila (at) businessfinland.fi
Director Kaisa Hernberg
tel. +358 40 562 3242
kaisa.hernberg (at) businessfinland.fi
Business Finland is the Finnish government organization for innovation funding and trade, travel and investment promotion. Business Finland’s 600 experts work in 40 offices globally and in 16 regional offices around Finland. Business Finland is part of the Team Finland network. www.businessfinland.com
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