INNOVATION PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY FUN Ambitious circular Culinary tradition Risto Siilasmaa on Finns love spending economy market with an urban twist machine learning time in the forest
Young startup talent 2019–2020 ISSN 2343-2624 ROCK-SOLID TEAMWORK 2 FEELING 3 FINLAND By Marina Ahlberg Photo Roope Permanto
WHO IS THE FIRST TO THE TOP?
Music, art, exercise, adventures… Many Finnish Association to create a concept called Luonnossa koto day care centres emphasise exciting themes. But naan – At home in nature, which emphasises playing it all comes down to having a good childhood. and moving safely in nature, as well as spending time and doing things together without being in a hurry.” A group of excited toddlers enter a forest near their Children learn how to use their bodies outdoors day care centre in Helsinki. The group is already famil- and also how to move in uneven terrain. The natural iar with their play area in the forest, and the children environment feeds the child’s imagination and through climb nimbly on and over big rocks and tree stumps. playing a curious child observes and learns from his or The CEO of Taiga Child Day Care Centres, Susanna her surroundings. Suutarla, explains the routines of the nature-themed “In the forest, children learn very concretely how to centre: separate a spruce from a birch and to take care of their “For us, nature is comparable to indoor spaces and environment. You wouldn’t leave the playroom untidy we enjoy spending time outdoors around the year, after playing indoors and the same applies to the out- come rain or shine. We spend many hours outside door play area. We cherish the values of a sustainable every day and we often even eat outside.” lifestyle,” says Susanna Suutarla. “Taiga Child was founded 20 years ago. We worked together with Suomen Latu – The Finnish Outdoor taigachild.fi, suomenlatu.fi/en There is room to run and play outdoors. It is safe for children to play in nature’s own jungle gym and an adult is always nearby. * 4 HAPPINESS HAPPINESS MEANINGFUL 2018 asastudyproject by third year BAstudents of Furniture Design from Aalto University. *The chair Kuusi palaa–Six pieces insteel andaluminiumwas designedby PinjaKoskelin for Stockholm Furniture Fair Finland great. We alsoshare inspiring local some ofthe things that make everyday life in tion for skilled professionals istough. for granted, andwe recognise that competi- we don’t take ourplace in the global economy This isamajor thingfor usFinns,because but alsoinhappiness and entrepreneurship? environment, safety skiing, andcross-country not only ineducation, healthcare, equality, top nations globally across many metrics – Did you know that Finlandranks among the Startup investor Inka Mero EDITORIAL In thismagazine, we want to show you
FACTS ABOUT FINLAND Vantaa, Oulu andTurku CURRENCY: GOVERNMENT: OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: BIGGEST CITIES: TOTAL AREA: POPULATION: of which 10%isfresh water
Euro 338,435 km2, 5.52million Independent republic since 1917 Helsinki (capital), Espoo, Tampere,
major steps from society to put Finlandon have founded their home inFinland. new health-tech, bio, andsoftware companies opportunities, but inaddition, thousands of Rovio, the gaming scene iscreating massive Thanks to unicorns like Supercell and and attracting top-tier global investors. students. Ourstartup ecosystem isthriving desirable professions among ouruniversity fashionable. Today, itisamong the top most when being anentrepreneur was far from and startup investor started over 20years ago, social welfare andapurpose-driven society. and privileges such asfree public education, equals economic growth, entrepreneurship equals innovation. Innovation, by its nature, matters. For any nation, big orsmall,talent Because entrepreneurship andinnovation startups disruptingglobal industries. Why? stories onhigh-tech entrepreneurs anddigital talent. people, growing new companies andfostering entrepreneurship make thishappen. to shape global industries. Innovation and stepping up. Ittruly hastaken avillage. moving to Finland.Society respects individuals Startup visas are provided for new talent participate incoaching new entrepreneurs. funding. Serial entrepreneurs andinvestors networks; and startup-friendly public R&D investor andstudent entrepreneurship of hierarchy; the world’s most active angel the inclusive society witharelative lack nations. Major contributing factors include the global map asone ofthe leading startup Finnish andSwedish It hasrequired both smallmiracles and My own story asagrowth entrepreneur So welcome to Finland!It’s alandofhappy The riseofnew talent isonly beginning
retail, cleantech Business services, ICT, healthcare andwellbeing, transport andcommunications business services, trade andhotel, manufacturing, TOP AREAS OFEMPLOYMENT: TOP SECTORS FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT: GDP PERCAPITA: JOINED THEEU: 1995 €40,638 (2017) COVER PHOTO BY LAYOUT DESIGN the Nordic Swan criteria. LumiSilk hasPEFC certificate andfulfils StoraEnso’s Oulu millinnorthernFinland. from Finnish woods andproduced in paper. It ismadeof virgin wood fibre LumiSilk –awoodfree, multicoated silk This magazine isprinted onFinnish Stories illuminated ISSN 2343-3272 (ONLINE) ISSN 2343-2624 (PRINT) Sitra, sitra.fi EDUFI, oph.fi Finnish National Agency for Education Finnfacts, finnfacts.fi Business Finland, businessfinland.fi um.fi Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, PUBLISHERS PRINTED BY COORDINATOR PRODUCER EDITORIAL STAFF EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF the nearest Finnish embassy. For papercopies you can alsocontact copies, pleasevisit toolbox.finland.fi. the magazineonlineororder free paper German, Russian andSpanish. To read Available inEnglish, Chinese, French, Magazine This isFINLAND James O’Sullivan, Petra Theman, SariTuori Kumpula, Peter Marten, Meira Pappi, Hetta Huittinen, Laura Kamras, Joanna PEFC/02-31-151 AnneliFrantti PunaMusta Services, financialand Marina Ahlberg Otavamedia OMA Painotuote Linda Macken 4041-0619 Mika Hammarén
Anu Kovalainen
20 24 22 10 18 12 2019–2020 6 Risto Siilasmaa 28 Why Istudiedmachine learningby in theArctic region Eco-consciousness andbusiness in theirspare time? What doFinns KNOWLEDGE DRIVEN CHARTS &FACTS research by Johanna Ivaska Stable platform for scientific 9 Valtavalo sellslighting asaservice prosperity inthefuture The circular economy willensure A HEALTHIER PLANET SOLUTIONS FOR COLUMN Finnish libraries? What’s thebest thingabout STREET GALLUP 17 Esportsgamesfor mobiledevices 16 Track your own stress hormonelevels 15 AIthatrecognises videocontent admired andencouraged In Finland,startups are all agesandto suitalltastes The Finnishyear isfullof events for MEET & GREET FINLAND WE MAKE IT WORK
38 33 30 32 Finnish brands –designedto last Into thewild HIGH LIFE and food events Finnish food culture, restaurants IN TOUCH International GenderEquality Prize 2019 From 5Gto 6G, Space Finland KEEP IT SHORT The power of forests SOCIAL CONTEXT 6 18 20 33
Photo City of Turku / Anna Lilja 5 6 SOLUTIONS FOR 7 A HEALTHIER PLANET By Samppa Haapio Photo Roope Permanto
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY WILL ENSURE PROSPERITY IN THE FUTURE
The goal of the circular economy is simple: to halt over-consumption so that we can still afford to be prosperous in the future.
he circular economy’s several times over and products are key idea is to detach designed to be long-lasting. Material in growing prosperity from single products is reused when they reach T the over-exploitation of the end of their lives or an intermediate virgin natural resources. production phase. Minimal waste is We are used to living created during production and product in a linear economy, where goods are use. manufactured from raw materials, sold “In many public discussions, the circular in the largest possible quantities, and economy is only about recycling,” says Mari eventually discarded. Pantsar, a Director at Sitra. This model no longer works, now that it Sitra is a Finnish agency focused on has become clearer that natural resources the future. As a fund, Sitra is building on the only planet available to us, Earth, the thriving Finland of tomorrow and are finite. The climate crisis and loss of accelerating sustainable business. biodiversity mean that we will have to “We have already partly made the leave some natural resources unexploited. transition to the circular economy but our patchy, if well-functioning, recycling and The Director of Sitra, Mari Pantsar, says BUSINESS INCENTIVES reuse of products is just the first step.” that there is not much new in the circular In the circular economy, products are Pantsar believes that the key challenges economy activities. “They were practiced already in pre-modern times, because shared, with services being purchased lie in creating economic incentives to drive they made financial sense.” rather than goods. Materials are reused the use of recycled materials. > 8 to everyone. In Turku, thebikes are available allyear round andinwinter they are equipped withwinter tyres. In thecircular economy, products are shared, withservices beingpurchased rather than goods.City bikes are shared bicycles available have drawn upsimilaraction planssince example, nine other EU countries in September 2016. Following Finland’s roadmap was announced inFinland new solutions. encourages investment andthe creation of ambitious circular economy market, which Finland aimsto create the world’s most APIONEERINMANYWAYSFINLAND platforms that enable sharingpractises.” these practises are combined withdigital known asthe circular economy. Today reused asamatter ofcourse. Itjustwasn’t were shared, long-lasting andmany were they made financial sense. Products practiced times, inpre-modern because circular economy activities: they were everyone,” says Pantsar. should make more financial sense for products made outofrecycled materials or market entry isdifficult. Choosing materials are often more expensive, A HEALTHIER PLANET SOLUTIONS FOR The world’s first circular economy “There isnot much uniqueabout “Products made outofrecycled
possible gothrough the listandponder awareness-raising tool. economy businesses hasbeen apopular Japan. economy. The 2018forum was held in cooperation intransforming the world’s countries. The event fostered international makers andexperts attended from over 90 1,600 private sector delegates, decision- was arranged inFinland.More than the World Circular Economy Forum 2017, world’s best circular economy solutions, then. The first event to highlight the “We hope that asmany companies as Sitra’s listofkey examples ofcircular - MARIPANTSAR CHILDREN IN EVERY GRADE.” CIRCULAR ECONOMY TO TEACHERS TO TEACH THE “WE WANT TO CHALLENGE ‘experts’.” the need for actual circular economy how to realise the circular economy, ending irrespective oftheir sector, understand in every grade. Ouraimisthat allpeople, teach the circular economy to children phenomenon. youngsters have already learned about the taught inschools: ageneration ofFinnish elsewhere inthe world.” join the list,which hasattracted interest business. Companies are queueingupto whether itcontains new ideas for doing “We want to challenge teachers to The circular economy isbeing widely
Photo City of Turku / Anna Lilja
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT says CEO the frequent needto changethetubes,” deteriorate dueto heat, UVradiation and tubes isthetendency of theframes to the problem withtheoldfluorescent energy savings. reduces life cycle costs andcreates direct them withaLEDlight significantly to becontinuously replaced. Replacing and fluorescent tubes,inparticular, have Lighting isamajorconsumer of energy, physical product. on buyingaservice rather thana circular economy concept, based This isanexcellent example of the rather thanlamps asproducts. tubes, sells lighting asaservice, Valtavalo, amanufacturer of LED VALTAVALO: AS ASERVICE LIGHT “In additionto poorenergy efficiency, Laatikainen. tubes,” says CEO Markku quent needto change the UV radiation andthefre- to deteriorate dueto heat, the tendency of theframes the oldfluorescent tubes is efficiency, the problem with “In additionto poorenergy Markku Laatikainen . tubes could genuinelylastfor over 15 to convince ourcustomers thatourLED even alittletoo durable. We were unable ourselves designingaproduct thatwas ed to bevery long-lived, butwe found of providing light asaservice. decade, thisalsogave Valtavalo theidea decades. At thebeginningof thecurrent lamp doesnot needto bechangedfor of thelamp, whichmeansthatthe also tend to becompatible irrespective The LEDtubesof different manufacturers lasting andenergy-efficient light source. LED tubesare astandardised, long- production from China to Finland in2012. in Kajaani. The company moved its LED light sources, i.e. LEDtubes, “Our products were originallydesign As asubstitute for fluorescent tubes, Valtavalo manufactures replaceable handles theproducts’ recycling. products soldasaservice. Valtavalo also whereby Valtavalo ispaid upfront for the the solutionisafinancingpartnership, by thecustomer. Anintegral partof no unexpected repair costs are incurred installation andmaintenance outsourced, their lighting costs by upto half. With savings, since theservice can easilycut pay for theservice from theaccumulated lighting. The goalisfor thecustomer to purchasing high-quality, energy-saving lowers thecustomer’s threshold for a positive example inthisrespect.” durability. Kone, theliftmanufacturer, was which we bear theriskof theproduct’s model basedonlighting asaservice, in years,” saysLaatikainen, withalaugh. The Valtavalo light service model “So we decided to create abusiness 9 10 MEET & GREET 11 FINLAND
By Päivi Leinonen Illustration Päivi Rücker SEVEN DIFFERENT FESTIVALS Oulun juhlaviikot, 1 to 31 August The Oulu August Festival will fill Oulu with arts and culture. The month-long celebration will feature: a jazz and rhythm music festival, a chamber music festival, a literary art festival, the Koiteli Elää Music Festival by the Koiteli rapids, the Oulu Arts Night, the Oulu Music EXPERIENCE Video Festival and the Air Guitar World Championships. oulunjuhlaviikot.fi/en
FINLAND! DESIGNED FOR LIVING Culture, design and business – the Habitare, Helsinki 11 to 15 More about Finnish September Finnish year is full of events for all cultural events & Habitare is Finland’s largest furniture, interior phenomena: decoration, and design event. It includes ages and to suit all tastes. Try one exhibitions of contemporary design, design classics, materials and interior decoration of these in 2019! finland.fi/category/ arts-culture solutions. At the same time, the Antiques event, the Hifi event, and Habitare Pro for professionals, will be held at Messukeskus. BE INSPIRED BY SÁMI CULTURE habitare.messukeskus.com St Mary’s Day in Hetta, Enontekiö 22 to 24 March Celebrating St Mary’s Day in Hetta, Enontekiö, is an HISTORY COMES TRUE ART IS FOR EVERYONE old Sámi tradition. The Sámi people were already The Medieval Market, Turku Helsinki Festival gathered there for weddings, christenings and funerals 27 to 30 June 16 August to 1 September in the 16th century. The local Sámi Cultural Association, The Medieval Market is more than just The largest arts festival in Finland aims to Johtti Sápmelaččat, has been arranging activities and a market. Visitors can experience the make art accessible for all. The programme programmes for the event since 1971. The program medieval atmosphere of five venues: the line-up features classical and world music, consists of a wide range of cultural events: seminars, Medieval Market in the Old Great Square, theatre, dance, circus and visual arts as exhibitions, concerts, workshops, dance and sports. Turku Castle, Turku Cathedral, the Horse well as a range of urban events including marianpaivat.fi Tournament at the Rohan Stables, and the The Night of the Arts. Helsinki Festival is Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum. honored with the EFFE Label 2017–2018 by The European Festivals Association (EFA). en.keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi A RACE IN THE FOREST helsinginjuhlaviikot.fi/en The Jukola relay, Kangasala 15 to 16 June The Jukola relay is the world’s biggest MODERN ART WITH IN THE MOOD FOR METAL? HOW DO FINNS LIVE? UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS WORLD’S LEADING orienteering relay competition. It is open A FRESH PERSPECTIVE Tuska Open Air Metal Festival, Housing Fair 2019, NETWORK STARTUP EVENT to the world’s elite, as well as amateur Kouvola 12 July to 11 August Helsinki 28 to 30 June Nordic Business Forum, Helsinki Slush, Helsinki orienteers. In the two relay competitions, Mänttä Art Festival, The Tuska festival has been arranged The Housing Fair is an annual event that 9 to 10 October November–December around 20,000 competitors head into the Mänttä 16 June to 1 September since 1998. In a country with a huge number showcases ongoing and future trends in forests of Kangasala. In addition, the Jukola The festival has been organised by its Autumn in Helsinki is the season of In winter, during the coldest and darkest of metal bands, the festival became a the housing industry. The event is set up in relay begins close to midnight. The weekend founding association, ‘Mäntän kuvataiteen business opportunities. The Nordic season of the year, leaders of the global big success in its early years. A total of an area where actual houses are built for also includes amazing experiences for the ystävät’, since 1993. This is one of Finland’s Business Forum in October is one of the startup and tech scenes get together in 34,000 metalheads made their way to the audience to visit. After the fair closes, public, as the competition center is like a leading summer reviews of contemporary world’s key business conferences. Helsinki for Slush. Suvilahti in 2018. families will move in and live in the houses. small town with pop-up cafes and sports art, with a new curator bringing a fresh nbforum.com slush.org asuntomessut.fi/english shops, a forest church and a range of events. perspective to the exhibition every year. tuska-festival.fi/en
jukola.com/2019/en mantankuvataideviikot.fi/en.php 12 WE MAKE IT 13 WORK By Leena Koskenlaakso Photos Juuso Haarala, Anu Kovalainen and interviewed companies THUMBS UP FOR STARTUPS
In Finland, startups are admired and encouraged. If they get off the ground, everybody wins.
Ville Heikkinen, co-founder and partner of Butterfly Ventures
stablishing a company communication and the Internet of in Finland is easy and Things. affordable, and if you do “E it online, it only takes STRENGTH IN TECHNOLOGY, one hour. Getting your MODESTY IN MARKETING company registered may Typically, Finnish startups have excellent take a while though,” says Ville Heikkinen, skills in their own technology, but are less co-founder and partner of Butterfly skilled in marketing and sales. Modesty is a Ventures, a Finnish venture capital firm. Finnish virtue, and praising our own pond “Butterfly Ventures invests in early stage does not come naturally to us. startups with a technology and science “But the recent years’ efforts to build focus. We are looking for fast-growing and strong and supportive ecosystems are scalable startups that have a strong team starting to bear fruit, and occasionally and good market potential.” I meet young entrepreneurs who show In his work, Heikkinen meets hundreds amazing courage and maturity. The startup Werstas is a co-working space of new startups and listens to them mindset is moving from secretive non- in Turku Science Park that offers pitching. He says the industries where disclosure thinking to a more Silicon Valley inspiring surroundings and Finnish startups have outstanding type of pay it forward attitude where services to anyone looking for an easygoing office environment. expertise are medical technology, companies help one another,” Heikkinen Designed by Sigge Architects gaming, artificial intelligence, wireless notes. and Anniina Savisalo. 14 WE MAKE IT 15 WORK
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COUNSELLING AND FUNDING of Kajaani University of Applied To get started, you can get counselling Sciences (KAMK). Her duties include from ELY Centres (Centres for Economic advising students who want to become Development, Transport and the Environ entrepreneurs. ment). If you come from a country outside “All our students have a mandatory “My research team and I had the required scientific vision, the EU you can apply for a Finnish basic business skills study module, on top it was only a question of Startup Permit via Business Finland. Once of which you can opt for a longer business Finns may be modest whether we dared to transform established, you can apply for e.g. Tempo- course. Our Young Entrepreneurship but they also have sisu, ourselves into entrepreneurs. funding from Business Finland. Startup studies involve a trial year when a mindset of strength, The final choice was catalysed “If you have an innovation-driven you can develop business ideas with determination, courage and by our company co-founders startup with no revenue stream but mentors. If you decide to set up a business, willpower. A perfect quality pulling us to jump to the com- potential for fast scalability, you can seek you can use the services of our Business for startup talents! mercial side,” says Valossa’s venture capital, whereas SME-driven Accelerator unit, which assists you with co-founder and CEO Mika startups with slower scalability but funding applications, commercialisation Read more about sisu: Rautiainen. existing customer revenue can apply for a and internationalisation,” Määttä explains. finland.fi/arts-culture/sisu- bank loan,” Heikkinen explains. Määttä says foreign students are most within-finnish-key-life-love- success welcome to Finland. “There is a wide choice UNIVERSITIES AND BUDDING of academic studies available for them. At CASE ENTREPRENEURS KAMK alone, we offer five English-taught *Finland emoji #sisu. See all “The Finnish government is endorsing degrees, the newest one being esports.” our national emojis at entrepreneurial education in universities. KAMK has given rise to many gaming toolbox.finland.fi Innovations and enterprises are spinoffs. The startups in the Kajaani AI THAT RECOGNISES VIDEO fundamental to the success of a sparsely gaming cluster employ a lot of local talent, populated country,” says senior lecturer making them a source of much pride for CONTENT LIKE A HUMAN and project manager Anne Määttä the region.
Valossa is a Finnish startup with roots Our clients include big European and US in the computer science and machine broadcasting companies as well as video vision labs at the University of Oulu. marketing and advertising businesses. Founded and based in Oulu since 2015, MTV3, a privately owned Finnish media and Valossa develops AI software that broadcasting company, is among our media recognises video content like a human: clients.” “OUR YOUNG seeing, hearing and understanding who and what is in it, and what the video is CONTENT COMPLIANCE IS A HOT TOPIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP about. Valossa has released a video content compliance solution for identifying and STARTUP STUDIES INVOLVE “Our content intelligence software makes reporting potentially inappropriate content, A TRIAL YEAR WHEN YOU a comprehensive deep analysis of video such as nudity, violence, substance abuse content, identifying all persons, visual and bad language. In addition to online CAN DEVELOP BUSINESS objects and sounds, recognising speech content regulation, there is a pressing need and profiling the content according to the to identify illegal content, fake news and IDEAS WITH MENTORS.” topics involved. It compiles a summary of hateful material. the famous people appearing in the video, Two years after securing a seed - ANNE MÄÄTTÄ and makes the results searchable by name,” investment of €400,000 in 2015, Valossa explains Valossa’s co-founder and CEO raised a further $2M from British and Finnish Mika Rautiainen. venture capital investors. “We are an independent company with “Five years from now, we want to be video recognition technology that can the world’s leading independent video be deployed in the cloud or on premises. recognition platform,” Rautiainen says. According to senior lecturer and project manager Anne Määttä of Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, foreign students are more than welcome to Finland. KAMK offers degrees taught in English, amongst others, in esports. 16 17
CASE TRACKING YOUR OWN STRESS HORMONE LEVELS
Inme, a Turku-based startup founded measurement strip, slide the strip into a in 2017, has developed a mobile app small metering device, take a photo of for people worried about the impact the meter reading with your smartphone of stress on their health and wellbe- camera, and use Inme’s mobile app to see ing. The app is used together with a your current stress level. For long-term stress saliva-based self-measurement kit that management, repeat on a regular basis. indicates your cortisol level. Cortisol is “Our first beta testing devices were “Working in a startup is exciting and rewarding. We are driven by passion for our work, but the chal- known as our stress hormone. launched in late 2018, with the affordable lenges are huge – especially how to acquire, retain and monetise users,” says Critical Force’s develop- final product version coming to shop ment director Tommi Krogerus (right), here with his team, Dawid Chemloul (left) and Nicky Pelupessy. “Our solution is based on 20 years of shelves in 2019,” Juntunen says. know-how in diagnostics research in the The test is meant for home use, but is Department of Molecular Biotechnology also suitable for occupational health clinics, and Diagnostics at the University of Turku,” fitness centres and spas. says Etvi Juntunen, co-founder and CTO of CASE Inme. WORKING IN A RENTED LAB “We have rented fully equipped laboratory EASY-TO-USE SELF-MEASUREMENT facilities at business hotel Werstas, which Using the stress tracking system is easy. is run by Turku Technology Properties and COMPETITIVE ESPORTS GAMES You just take a saliva sample with a is partly owned by the city of Turku. The unique rental concept allows us to focus FOR MOBILE DEVICES on product development, without having to invest in lab infrastructure,” Juntunen explains. Established in 2012 and based in Kajaani, Critical KOREAN INVESTMENT AND FINNISH FUNDING Next, Inme plans to develop a saliva- Force is one of only a few companies in the world Mobile esports is still a niche market but it has lots of based testosterone level measurement kit that makes electronic sports games played on potential, with top-grossing games making up to $2M for middle-aged men. They are also working mobile devices. In October 2018, their online first revenue per day. on a saliva-based hormonal level tracking kit person shooter game title Critical Ops had been In 2016, Critical Force raised a €4M seed investment for menopausal women. downloaded over 45 million times worldwide. from big South Korean video game publisher NHN Entertainment, whom they later partnered with. This led “Competitive online multiplayer games are typically to the establishment of a subsidiary in Seoul. downloaded by 18 to 24-year-old and even younger “NHN Entertainment saw the potential of our game males. They love the competition, challenge and social especially for the Asian market. They are going to interaction that online gaming provides,” says Critical publish a retailored version of it to suit the Asian taste,” Force founder and CEO Veli-Pekka Piirainen. Piirainen says. The roots of the company are at Kajaani University In 2018, Critical Force raised €5.4M in funding from of Applied Sciences, where Piirainen used to work as Business Finland. The funds will be used to develop the “It is hard to predict what investors a senior lecturer. In 2006, he founded the university’s company’s technology and organisation further. and consumers will find interesting, game development curriculum, which supplies the “Five years from now, we want to be a recognised so you have to be agile and keep your business concept flexible,” says Etvi company’s multicultural 80-person team with young and respected brand and a trendsetter for competitive Juntunen, co-founder and CTO of talent. mobile game titles,” Piirainen concludes. Inme. 18 COLUMN 19
By Johanna Ivaska Academy Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Turku Head and Vice President of Oncology Research at Orion Corporation TOP 3 REASONS TO DO Editor Päivi Brink SCIENCE IN FINLAND
Photo Suvi Elo 1. FIRST-CLASS RESEARCH GROUPS that deliver significant results. Recognised team leaders, state-of-the-art equipment and funding possibilities in Finland and EU.
2. LARGELY ENGLISH SPEAKING SOCIETY. Equality is an important value in the Finnish society and the welfare state offers affordable health care, child care and STABLE PLATFORM FOR free schools. 3. NATURE is always nearby and is easily SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH accessible.
My work is profoundly international and the scientific community I personally feel part of is located in many parts of the world.
olleagues and partners for foreign researchers. All scientists and pharmaceutical company Orion. Finnish exploring the same even the support personnel at universities universities have increased their co- research areas as my speak fluent English. Most of the operation with business, which provides C team and people I have bureaucracy can be dealt with online and researchers with access to new forms of met at international in English. The everyday conversations at funding. The pharmaceutical companies conferences, are all the lab are also in English, which enables do not do basic research, but they building a global puzzle together in the integration irrespective of an individual’s utilize the results of the research done field of cancer cell biology. background and also provides the staff at universities. We are still working on Nevertheless, my own team that we the rules of this co-operation, since the call Ivaska Lab is my closest community scientists need to publish their results, and we work together in Finland, at “FINNISH UNIVERSITIES even if it is not in the interest of the the Turku Centre of Biotechnology. OFFER A GENUINELY company. My internationally recognised team The Finnish society is one of the most has 18 members including myself. The ENGLISH SPEAKING stable in the world and it functions well. members are all at different stages of It is an equal society where everyone is their careers. Some of them are writing WORKING offered a good education and health care their master’s theses, some are working ENVIRONMENT FOR that is almost free. Even if researchers do on their doctoral theses and others are not earn top salaries, we still enjoy a good post-doctoral researchers. They are men FOREIGN RESEARCHERS.” standard of living and a pleasant living and women from eight different countries environment. Affordable English speaking with different backgrounds, religions - JOHANNA IVASKA day care facilities and free international and mother tongues. Together, we form a schools are a clear advantage for anyone multidisciplinary research group of equals. with good practise in discussing their with children working in Finland. Finland We are interested in understanding how topics at conferences and writing papers. does not have big cities, but if you enjoy integrins contribute to almost every step I specialise in the role of cellular nature and small town living, this is a of cancer progression. changes in metastatic development great place to live in. Many of the foreign Finnish universities offer a genuinely of cancer. Recently, I was chosen to researchers I persuaded to join my team, English speaking working environment lead the oncology team at Finnish have ended up staying for years. A NEW LANDMARK BUILDING! 20 STREET By Päivi Leinonen, Helena Forsgård, Tuija Sorjanen, Marina Ahlberg 21 Photos Päivi Leinonen, Armi Särkelä, Anton Reenpää, In the heart of the city, the new Helsinki Central GALLUP Helena Forsgård, Marina Ahlberg and Juha Kauppinen Ivalo Library Oodi offers a public space open to all, seven days a week. oodihelsinki.fi/en THE LIBRARY TERTTU RISSANEN, PENSIONER, 80, IVALO “The Ivalo Library has amazingly good service. A pensioner can’t afford many IS CALLING! Mäntsälä Turku newspapers, so I read them in the library. Kaarina I’m now going to ask for help with sending Mariehamn Helsinki Modern libraries are like living rooms that a picture by mobile phone. You can also borrow sports equipment here.” provide both experiences and learning. We asked people up and down the country about the best aspect of their local library. DIANA TÖRNROOS, HEAD OF CUSTOMER TEAM, 57, HELSINKI libraries.fi/en “The Käpylä Library provides a feeling of urban community, as well as literature. I love the monthly writer visits and small surprises – last time, I found myself in the MEERI SÄRKELÄ, middle of a wonderful art exhibition.” SCHOOLGIRL, 12, MÄNTSÄLÄ “My library is a mobile library which visits my home village of Ohkola every other week. It also drops by my schoolyard and the pupils pop in during the school day.”
MOSSE WALLÉN, RETIRED JOURNALIST, 67, ÅLAND ISLANDS “In addition to a huge selection, I appreciate the beautiful building of the Mariehamn Library. Guest writers are the highlight of the Mariehamn Literature Days held here every year.” ABDULLAH MIRZAEI, STUDENT, TURKU “I use the Turku Main Library for OYELOWO OYEDAYO, studying mathematics, English and STUDENT, 24, HELSINKI Finnish. I come here every day MIA WREDE, PSYCHOLOGIST, 32, “I like the comfort and self- JOHANNA KALJA, MIIA ALHANEN, during the academic year. It’s quiet AND HER DAUGHTER BODIL, 1, services in the Helsinki University STUDENT, 29, IVALO JOURNALIST, 45, KAARINA here, and the location in the city ÅLAND ISLANDS Kumpula Campus Library, which “There’s a good selection here. I borrow “Our Uusi Kaarina Library is a wonderful, centre is great.” “We love it here at the Mariehamn Library. There give me the feeling that I am at books from the Sámi-language section for my multi-purpose facility. In addition to books, is plenty of room for children. In addition to the home with almost every learning child, who speaks Skolt Sámi. There is a good there is a music room, reading corner, art children’s section, there is an attractive and quiet resource I need!” Northern Sámi selection, but there are fewer exhibitions and a large hall for events.” storytelling room.” books in the Skolt Sámi language.” 22 CHARTS & FACTS 23
By This is FINLAND editorial staff Photos Riku Pihlanto and iStock
LIFELONG LEARNING
There are a total of 181 adult education centres in Finland, operating across the length and 54% breadth of the country. The centres are open to everyone, regardless of educational background. Every year, THE PROMISED LAND more than one in ten Finns attend OF ASSOCIATIONS courses, and the fees remain highly ESPORTS RISING reasonable as they are subsidised IN POPULARITY In 2017, 54% of the Finnish population over the age by central government and local of ten participated in the activities of an association. authorities. Tuition is offered in a Young Finns are interested in Finns are active citizens in general. Signing citizens’ wide variety of subjects, including electronic sports. In a survey initiatives or other petitions is common these days, languages, IT, arts and crafts, music, conducted in September 2017 made easier by the internet. In 2017, a quarter of sports, cooking and wellbeing. that measured the popularity of 63 those older than 15 (24%) had signed an initiative different sports, only ice hockey was or a petition during the past 12 months. Women kansalaisopistot.fi/english considered more interesting than between the ages of 20–24 (45%) were the most esports by persons between the active in signing initiatives or petitions. ages of 18–29. Other age groups are also interested: 14% of the Source: Statistics Finland population indicated an interest in esports.
POPULAR WAYS TO Source: ePressi/Sponsor Insight SPEND LEISURE TIME
Reading books 56% Walking 49% Exercising in nature 48% Travelling abroad 36% Solving crosswords/sudoku 32% FINNS, ART AND HANDICRAFTS Travelling in Finland 31% Spending time at Non-degree art subjects are popular among Finnish adult summer cottages 28% FINNISH students. Almost every fourth 18–64-year-old student Self-access learning 27% VOLUNTEERS that attended non-degree education in 2017 took part in art Cooking as a hobby 25% education. About 100,000 people studied art subjects as a BUSY Gardening 24% In a survey taken in 2017, almost hobby: 51% music and preforming arts, 33% handicrafts and every third Finnish person over arts and crafts. the age of 15 had done volunteer WHAT SPORTS DO work during the past 12 months. FINNS WATCH? The volunteer work may have been Men Women & FREE collecting money, coaching sports, Art 20% 30% Ice hockey 39% keeping lonely people company, Foreign languages 20% 21% Athletics 36% or participating in any other Sports, exercise 17% 22% What do Finns do in Soccer 26% organised activity. This work was Health and social services, 7% 8% Motor sports 25% not always organised by registered wellbeing their spare time? associations. Men and women The respondents were given more than participated in volunteer work in Content of adult education in 2017 not related to work or one option, which resulted in a total percentage of more than 100%. equal amounts and with equal profession, by gender (18–64-year-old persons taking part in frequency. education, excluding students and those doing military service). Source: Kantar TNS Oy, TNS Mind Atlas 2018 Source: Statistics Finland Source: Statistics Finland 24 KNOWLEDGE 25 DRIVEN By Sami Anteroinen Photos Kaisa Rautaheimo / Otavamedia, interviewees, companies and iStock
t’s not just the polar bears in meeting the target of improved “It is clear that climate change is that are feeling the heat collaboration – as well as advancing its making a lot of different countries pay nowadays. Arctic regions own priorities. attention to Arctic issues,” he adds. I are extremely vulnerable “The Finnish priorities are ecosystems and require a environmental protection, meteorological CONTROVERSIAL TREASURE decidedly delicate touch cooperation, connectivity and education,” Obviously, there is also high global – along with smart, sustainable solutions. says Söderman, adding that Finland interest in the natural resources (oil, gas That is not to say that the Arctic doesn’t has made progress especially in and minerals) of the Arctic Region. Those offer also business potential to go with the meteorology. resources are becoming more easily snow and ice. The Arctic Council Chairmanship available due to shorter winter periods and How can eco-consciousness and rotates among the Arctic states (Finland, reduced ice coverage caused by climate business thrive together? One obvious Iceland, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, change – but, on the other hand, drilling key is deploying sustainable, responsible Canada and the USA). for Arctic fossil-based energy seems like a practices. With this in mind, The Arctic In addition, there are 40 observers in bad move for the planet. Council Expert Group on Black Carbon the Arctic Council, either countries or Sidestepping that issue for a minute, and Methane (EGBCM) met in Helsinki organisations. it is clear that also new sea routes – such on 20–21 September 2018. The group’s aim “During the last ten years, we have as the Northeast and Northwest Passages is to raise awareness of climate-warming clearly seen a trend where non-Arctic – are becoming viable. Again, year-round black carbon and methane emissions and states and organisations have shown an navigation in the vulnerable Arctic Region give recommendations on how they can be increased interest towards the Council,” is ripe with both opportunity and risk. reduced. says Söderman. Black carbon particulars and methane gas are powerful climate pollutants, despite their relatively short lifetime in the ARCTIC atmosphere. By reducing their emissions, it is possible to achieve rapid results in the fight against climate change. Black carbon, or soot, has a great impact on the Arctic Region as it accelerates melting.
AUDACITY KEEPING THE COURSE STEADY Black carbon was only one of the themes “CLIMATE CHANGE IS Say it loud, say it proud: Finnish expertise on Finland’s agenda, as it assumed the chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2017. MAKING A LOT OF DIFFERENT in all things Arctic is second to none. During the two-year stint as chair, Finland COUNTRIES PAY ATTENTION is looking to strengthen Arctic cooperation and its continuity, right up to the highest TO ARCTIC ISSUES.” political level. René Söderman, Senior Arctic Official, - RENÉ SÖDERMAN says that so far, Finland has been successful 26 DRIVEN KNOWLEDGE Baltic Sea.” freakishly cold winters, too. and seas to rise, it’s truethat there are climate change iscausing ice to melt business,” Heinonen comments. While a goodfoundation for sustainable future every step ofthe way. there isastated need to actresponsibly in the coming years. At the same time, may enjoy agooddegree ofdiversification fishing) means that the role ofthe Arctic production, transport, trade, tourism and of activities (such asrenewable energy Arctic seas asa“multi-platform” for arange According to the grand vision, viewing PLATFORMPOLAR explains. researchers andauthorities,” Heinonen resources ofmaritime companies, innovation ecosystem, that combines Arctic Operations, anew type of Heinonen points out. to be gained from increased collaboration, to draw from. Still,there ismuch benefit feat –but Finnshave plenty ofexpertise freezing andfragile climates isno small robust, durable solutions for operating in extremely careful inthe North. Finding Heinonen “2011 was atough ice winter onthe “A key issue here ishow we can build “With thisinmind,we’re launching VTT Principal Scientist agrees that one hasto be - JAAKKO HEINONEN IS NOSMALLFEAT.” FREEZING ANDFRAGILE CLIMATES SOLUTIONS FOR OPERATING IN “FINDING ROBUST, DURABLE
Jaakko Heinonen says, addingthat the wind facing demanding, Arctic conditions,” Finnish know-how inrenewable energy wind park built onoffshore foundations. Tahkoluoto isalsoFinland’s first offshore conditions, Tahkoluoto I,was launched. world’s first offshore wind park for icy offshore wind parks. In August 2017, the One potent area could well be Arctic NORTH WINDBLOWING “Tahkoluoto isagreat example of
decision-making process.” their investment andneed data for the when they are considering the scope of the public inearly 2019. organisation andwillbe made available to design portal isalready usedinside the next generation ofoffshore parks. The a windpark design portal to facilitate the breakthroughs. Actually, VTTalready has park islikely to lead to other similar “It isausefultool for companies
Photo © KINE Robot Solutions
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT KINE. delivered cargo ton mile,” explains Jyrki Vilo from water intake; andto minimisefuelconsumption per whole; to maximisecargo intake; to minimiseballast Boxbot to optimise theirgeneral cargo packingasa ports, terminals andlogisticscentres. “Ships can use International Maritime Organization (IMO). control thenewairpollutionrulesatseasetby the service, created to helpauthoritiesandports is anautomatic shipremote emissionsmonitoring resonate well withthemaritimeindustry. AirNow KINE Robot Solutionshascreated innovations that KINE Robot Solutions icy conditions,” saysCEO Ilkka Rantanen. energy efficiency, operational safety and capabilityin control functionsandmanualde-icingwork. working areas are not slippery, and itfrees peoplefrom It alsomeansincreased safety because walking and because heatingisonlyactivated when itisneeded. and a control unit. This system bringscost savings, in additionto theheatingelement –intelligent software company’s Intelligent De-Icing System (IDS) includes– to functionefficiently in freezing conditions. The solutions neededinvessels, platforms andequipment safe winterisation. “Winterisation” isaterm for Starkice provides intelligent de-icingsystems and Starkice Boxbot isadigital cargo load planningservice for “Arctic Maritime isourfocus. Our solutionsimprove is more vulnerable,” hesays. ships sailingintheArctic –where theenvironment deliver fuel savingsandemissionsreductions for Norsepower: forward propulsion,” explains Tuomas Riski,CEO of the Magnus effect to harnesswindenergy into modernised version of theFlettner rotor whichuses industry. “Norsepower’s Rotor Sailsolutionisa opportunities for growth intheArctic maritime Norsepower are presented withconsiderable the Arctic region, companies suchasFinnish With windconditions typically stronger in Norsepower minimises risksinice conditions. management system optimises vessel routes and performing ontheice inanunprecedented way.” The solutionswe have developed serve ships great potential thathasyet to beexplored. Development IoT, believes thattheNorth holds industry. Janne Tolonen, Vice President, Business internet-of-things (IoT) products for themaritime which hasawiderange of new, innovative Navidium isaFinnish Maritime CleanTech company Navidium “The technology isfullyautomated andcan For example, thecompany’s uniqueIceTrail “We seegreat opportunitiesintheArctic. 27 28 KNOWLEDGE 29 DRIVEN By Risto Siilasmaa Photo Ilmari Fabritius DID YOU KNOW?
• Machine learning is not programmed: it is taught with data. The value you get from it is a function of the quality of the data you feed it.
• Because the intelligence is really just numbers and the architectures relatively simple, it is not truly intelligence at all. Machine learning systems UNDERSTANDING do not really understand. So far.
• Machine learning is a one-way street. You can THE NUTS AND BOLTS have a neural network recognise faces, but you cannot ask it to describe any of the faces it knows. OF TECHNOLOGY • If you teach a machine learning system two skills, it cannot combine them to create a third skill. There is no autonomy in the systems.
was fascinated by intent on showing off their own advanced “creating shareholder value”. Alternatively, • We are barely scratching the surface with artificial intelligence understanding of the topic than explaining they may feel that they can’t learn applying machine learning. The revolution is during the end of what they knew in plain, comprehensible something seemingly complicated and under way, but only starting to gain speed. I the 80s and spent language. therefore don’t consider trying. Neither numerous hours So, I spent some time complaining. one is the entrepreneurial way. working on Natural Where could I find good material So I thought: Why not study machine Language Processing challenges using explaining how machine learning works learning myself and then explain what I a weird and wonderful programming in terms that would speak to anyone who learned to others who are struggling with language called Lisp. The effort didn’t loves to understand how things work? the same questions? With a quick internet really amount to much, but at least I could search I found Andrew Ng’s courses on forever after claim I had worked in the Coursera. I started with Machine Learning hallowed field of AI. “MACHINE and had a lot of fun getting reacquainted In 2006, the cybersecurity company with programming. Andrew turned out to I founded back in 1988 started using LEARNING REALLY be a great teacher who genuinely wants neural networks to identify malicious people to learn. applications. Though F-Secure didn’t IS JUST MATH. AND Fun aside, it didn’t take long before immediately enjoy much success with it – I was able to appreciate both the as often happens when you’re just a little RELATIVELY SIMPLE shortcomings and strengths of the current bit too early with a new technology – it MATH AT THAT.” state of machine learning. It turned out was my second brush with AI and my first to be both much less than I had expected, with machine learning. - RISTO SIILASMAA but at the same time, in many applications, Third time lucky? The current more powerful and much more fascinating renaissance with machine learning took Then I remembered what being an than I had dared hope. off around 2012, and I continued to feed my entrepreneur meant. An entrepreneurial Over time I gained enough fascination with the promise of intelligent mind does not just complain to others, but understanding to explain what I felt were machines through books and meetings always considers fixing the issue oneself. the most important aspects of machine with researchers on the topic. As chairman As a longtime CEO and chairman, I’ve learning to CEOs, politicians, academics Risto Siilasmaa is the Chairman of the Board of Nokia, I was fortunate to be able to gotten used to having things explained (in other fields) and frankly, any decision of Directors of Nokia Corporation and an worm my way into the calendars of the to me. Somebody else does the hard work makers. Inspired by Andrew Ng, I wanted entrepreneur at heart. In addition to leading movers and shakers of the AI world. I only and I can focus on figuring out the right to provide them with intuition on, for Nokia’s recent transformation, he is founder understood bits and pieces, and initially questions. instance, why machine learning is so and Chairman of the Board of F-Secure. Risto believed the topic was so difficult that it Sometimes CEOs and chairmen may topical right now and why it is dangerous Siilasmaa is a well-known business angel, investing in several technology startups and would take ages to truly comprehend. But I feel that understanding technology is to ignore machine learning. serving on their boards. also became frustrated with my discussion in some way beneath their role, that it’s partners, some of whom seemed more enough for them to focus on things like 30 31 KEEP IT SHORT
By Päivi Brink
FROM 5G TO 6G SPACE FINLAND In January 2019, Finland launched a 5th generation mobile Finland is known for its technical know-how and network, one of the first countries in the world to do so. has innovative companies in space technology, The technical leap compared to 4G is massive. 5G will too. Already thirty of them work in co-operation enable up to ten times faster wireless connections to with the European Space Agency ESA. Solar Foods the Internet with various devices, enabling the Internet produces proteins using only air and electricity as the of Things. The University of Oulu has already started the main resources. Their goal is to develop a system to Academy of Finland’s Flagship programme 6Genesis. produce proteins in a bioreactor tank for space flights MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY IN According to the university, the future society is going to to Mars and for colonies on Mars. Business Finland FEBRUARY be “increasingly digitised, hyper-connected and globally helps Finnish businesses go global and supports and data-driven”. The 6G network will be developed via funds innovations. Its space programme is called New UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day international co-operation. Space Economy. Over the next five years, Business is celebrated in Finland, too, on February 21st. Photo Jani Karppa / Finnish Snowboard Association Snowboard / Finnish Karppa Jani Photo Finland would like to see 50 new companies in Finland has two official languages, Finnish and oulu.fi/university/6gflagship Finland connecting to the space business. Swedish. The third most common language in Finland is Russian. The Sámi languages have spacefinland.fi official status in Finland in the Sámi native solarfoods.fi region. UNESCO emphasises the role of mother tongues in education and promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. In Finland, CMYK learners starting school in 2019 will be the first who will all have access to learning foreign languages starting in Grade 1.
un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday
WORLD PARA SNOWBOARD / Otavamedia Ohert Fred Photo CHAMPIONSHIPS INTERNATIONAL GENDER REMEMBER MY NAME: FAME AT PYHÄTUNTURI EQUALITY PRIZE 2019 In the autumn of 2019, Music Museum Fame will The World Para Snowboard Championships are The receiver of the second International Gender Equality open at Tripla Centre in Pasila, Helsinki. Fame held in Finland for the first time from 25.3.–1.4.2019 Prize will be announced in Tampere in autumn 2019. The is a museum dedicated to Finnish music, where at Pyhätunturi in Finnish Lapland. The current men’s prize, established in 2017 in honour of the 100th anniversary modern virtual technology enables an entirely world champion in cross and banked slalom, Matti of Finland’s independence, was first awarded to Federal new kind of experience. The museum will offer Suur-Hamari, will attend the World Cup along with a Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. She chose the interesting information about music and an hundred more of the best snowboarders in the world. Nigerian NGO SOS FEVVF as the cause that received opportunity to enjoy and perform music. At the Finland has been one of the most successful countries the prize money. The prize is awarded every second year heart of the music museum is an honorary gallery, in the Paralympic Games. In the Winter Games, to a person or an organisation that has advanced gender the Hall of Fame. Major Finnish composers and Finland is at the very top and it has even been among equality in a globally significant way. The prize money musicians ranging from Sibelius to Juice Leskinen the top 11 countries in the Summer Games. has been increased to EUR 300,000. The deadline for will be selected annually and added to the nominating candidates was 31 December 2018. gallery. Nightwish became the 11th member of paralympic.org/pyha-2019 Singer-songwriter Juice Leskinen was among the first to be selected the honorary gallery in October 2018. genderequalityprize.fi/en to the Hall of Fame at the new music museum. Juice was one of the most prominent pop artists in Finland in the late 20th century. finnishmusichalloffame.fi/en By Marina Ahlberg, Jaana Kalliokoski, Päivi Leinonen 32 THE SOCIAL Photos The interviewees IN TOUCH 33
CONTEXT By Marina Ahlberg, Selja Tiilikainen Photos the restaurants and festivals, Katri Lehtola / Finland Image Bank, Otavamedia: Mirva Kakko, Sara Pihlaja, Seppo Saarentola THE POWER OF FORESTS and Vesa Tyni.
The saying ‘Finland lives off its forests’ is as true now as it ever was. Many Finns are employed by the forest industry, in addition to which the forest is a living environment, a recreational venue and a source of inspiration.
PETRI MATTUS SANNA VÄHÄMAA YRJÖ TURUNEN
Inari Ilmajoki Kuusamo ENJOY PURE, NATURAL FLAVOURS “The forest used to be my playground as “The forest is important to me. Walking or “My childhood home was in North Karelia. In Finland, people can enjoy the natural environment a child, now it’s my workplace. I became a riding in the woods, accompanied by my In addition to farming, my father made a CULINARY without the permission of a landlord, i.e. they can roam reindeer herder like my father and the forest dog, provides a good counterbalance to my living as a forester. Since the age of ten, in forests and around lakes and rivers on foot, horse- gives me my daily bread. And not only work as a nurse. I have two horses, which I have been involved in lumber work, back or by boat, can camp out in the wild for short the forest, but the whole northern nature I keep in a forest garden surrounded by fir stripping the bark off trees. The scents made periods, and pick delicious berries and mushrooms. This including fells, rivers and lakes. That’s where trees a stone’s throw away from home. The a strong and lasting impression. I do forestry PLEASURES is referred to as ‘Everyman’s right.’ I get reindeer and game meat, catch fish forest is just outside my back yard. I am also work every year. It’s great to follow trees ymparisto.fi/en-us/nature/everymans_rights > and pick berries. My family and I can see qualified as a forester by occupation, but I growing from the nursery stage. Forests are Gastronomy is trending strongly in the effects of climate change, which has only work there as a hobby nowadays.” also ideal for recreation; I do a lot of hiking.” made reindeer herding more difficult.” Finland. Food innovators combine Finland’s culinary tradition with an international, urban style. The focus is on local food and ecological values.
GERRY MACKEN CHEUK LAI Turku Helsinki “Finnish forests to me mean peace and quiet: “I had already heard about the Finnish forests before I came to being able to get away from the usual busyness Finland. The trees look healthy and tall. I have been in the forest of everyday life. Before I moved to Finland, I only once this autumn and I have been surprised by the beauty had always lived in towns and cities. Here in of the leaves surrounding the forests. The air is refreshing and the Turku I am never very far from trees and forests. temperature perfect. The Hong Kong ‘forests’ cannot compare That means a lot to me. Even when I am not with the Finnish ones because we do not have ‘real’ forests, only walking in the forest, if I can see trees in the countrysides with many trees. There are fewer trees as we need distance, it gives a sense of their grandeur.” more land for housing. Thus, I really like the nature in Finland. 34 IN TOUCH 35
TAMPERE’S OWN TRIBUTE TO GOOD FOOD Tamperrada – inspired by the AN OASIS OF GOOD FOOD Tamborrada Festival in Spain AND FLAVORFUL DRINKS – is Finland’s biggest food festi- Just a stone’s throw away from val. Over five days, restaurants Kastelholm, a stately medieval castle in the Tampere region serve on the shores of the Åland Islands, delicious local versions of small you can find Smakbyn, an inspiring Spanish snacks called pintxos. place in the archipelgo, where you In 2019, Tamperrada takes can enjoy a good meal and refresh- place from 19–23 August. ing drinks made of local ingredients. tamperrada.fi/brief-in- You can also take part in cooking english classes or visit the local distillery. smakbyn.ax/en
SMAKU INTRODUCES ORGANIC PRODUCTS LOCAL TASTES OF PORVOO DIRECT FROM THE PRODUCER Smaku is a food festival organ- Almost every city or town has a ised in the city of Porvoo, east of market where small producers sell Helsinki. At Smaku you can taste freshly baked products, berries, signature dishes from different root vegetables and fish. Younger local restaurants in the form of sellers, in particular, speak English small treats. Each restaurant and will be happy to tell you about creates a tasting version of at their products. You can identify least one appetiser, main course Finnish products by the words or dessert, and visitors can vote “suomalainen” or “kotimainen”. for the best dish. The festival Find inspiration for your food culminates in a food feast at adventure at: the Porvoo Art Factory on 24 visitfinland.com/ August. Smaku 12–24 August. hungry-for-finland smakuporvoo.fi
SEE AND TASTE THE LAPLAND WILDERNESS WARM-HEARTED SERVICE The Kitchen Sky restaurant offers wonderful views Kaskis, which was chosen as restaurant of the year in and food inspired by the Lapland wilderness, from the 2018, is located in Turku. Kaskis specialises in organic top of the Ounasvaara Fell. The menu combines northern and local food featuring many plants found in the wild. purity, frost, sun and soundscapes into a trendy package. Some are gathered by the chefs themselves. kitchensky.fi/en kaskis.fi/en 36 IN TOUCH 37
FROM WASTE TO FOOD Restaurant Loop in Helsinki produces high-quality vegetarian dishes from left-over raw materi- als collected from merchants and producers. Loop donates 70% of the retrieved food to charity. The restaurant also helps unemployed young persons and immigrants to enter working life. Loop serves lunch every weekday and brunch on weekends. HISTORY AND GASTRONOMY ravintolaloop.fi Once a base for clearing and storing naval mines, the island of Lonna is an attraction in itself, but it also happens to have the best summer restaurants in Helsinki. The island can be reached by ferry, which will also take you to the island fortress of Suomenlinna, from May to September. lonna.fi/en LOCAL FOOD FROM A WISE OLD OWL The Pöllöwaari (Old Owl) restaurant in Jyväskylä offers ENJOY FOOD IN HISTORICAL lovingly prepared menus and à SURROUNDINGS la carte dishes made from top- Fiskars Village, founded in the quality, seasonal ingredients. 17th century, is known today The restaurant is located in the as a centre of Finnish art and Boutique Hotel Yöpuu. All 26 design. The village has a strong rooms in the hotel are uniquely culinary tradition with a varied decorated. local and organic cuisine. Fis- ravintolapollowaari.fi/ kars Brewery produces artisan en/1/ravintolapollowaar beers to be enjoyed with or without food. fiskarsvillage.fi/en
FEEL AT HOME IN THE BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE FOOD, ART AND DESIGN ARCHIPELAGO The Food & Art Festival is held in the beautiful surroundings Farmors Café (Grandmother’s Café) of Ruissalo in Turku, Western Finland. The festival is a multi is a picturesque summer café on the sensory event where art, design and gourmet dishes meet in island of Högsåra on the southwest- a intimate atmosphere. Visiting chefs from around the world ern coast. The old red cottage, which conjure up fine dishes for everyone to enjoy. Food & Art on is surrounded by a lovely garden, 5–7 September. is an idyllic summer delight where foodandart.fi/in-english visitors can enjoy freshly baked cakes and tasty summer dishes. farmorscafe.fi/en 38 04. 39 HIGH LIFE 02.
By This is FINLAND editorial staff Photos The manufacturers
03. INTO THE WILD The northern natural environment invites us to 06. test our limits. The products on this spread are 07. designed to withstand the toughest conditions; 05. durability is the new hallmark of style.
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More things
you should and Photo Sami Joronen shouldn’t know: finland.fi HI, I’M ON CAM! WILDLIVE, BY WWF FINLAND, BRINGS NATURE CLOSER TO YOU.
World Wide Fund for Nature Finland’s live cameras share images of wonderful but rare Finnish species. Wildlive is intended to bring nature closer to people and inspire viewers to participate in nature conservation. Thanks to active conservation work, the Saimaa ringed seal population has increased, now numbering approximately 390 animals.
luontolive.wwf.fi/en