Valenciennes Int - Week - Inn. Man. Lessons From Finland - Day 2 - 13.2.2024 - M. Nemilentsev

Innovation Management – Lessons from Finland
12.-13.2.2024
Dr. Mikhail Nemilentsev (XAMK)

Structure of the course
• Day 2 (13.2.2024)
– 9.00-11.00: Teaching & Discussion – Part 3:
e) Finland (Social) Innovation System: education + society +

business
– 11.00-12.00: Group Work – Final Preparations including

Megatrends and Weak Signals
– 12.00-13.00: Lunch break
– 13.00-15.00: Group Presentations, Discussion, Feedback / 15 min.

presentation from each group / 5 min. discussion of each
presentations (about 3 questions per presentation)
– 15.00-17.00: Reflections in Mini-Groups /1-1,5 A4 from each group

Part 3: Finland (Social) Innovation Sys tem:
education + s ociety + bus ines s
LESSONS FROM FINLAND
Finland's economy will gradually recover from the sudden shutdown – Bank of Finland Bulletin (bofbulletin.fi)
Source
https://finlan
d.fi/facts-
stats-and-
info/finland-
in-facts-2/
Country ranking – Innovation - Finland Toolbox
On the great Finnish innovations –
for life & wellbeing:
Image Source: https://mymodernmet.com/finnish-baby-box/

Text Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/12/finlands-10-great-innovations
Image Source: https://medium.com/@dcorbacho/xylitol-and-finland-4b5e77de2cd2

Image Source: https://newsnowfinland.fi/domestic/veikkaus-raises-the-stakes-on-gambling-wins

Image Source: https://vnk.fi/en/government-report-on-the-future

Global Impact of Finland to the
Way How To Innovate
The Millennium Technology Prize – Finland's tribute to innovations for a better life
Let’s
watch!
Source: https://bushbaby.travel/destinations/europe/finland
Doing Business in Finland
Source:Doing Business in Finland - World Bank Group

Source: Global Innovation Index 2022: What is the future of
innovation–driven growth? (wipo.int)
Source: Global Innovation Index 2022: What is the future of innovation–driven growth? (wipo.int)
Finnish economic performance: the cornerstones
The reasons for effectiveness of the Finnish economic performance:
 Respect for the law
 Competent government
 Effective collaboration between public institutions and private companies
 A high level of general education
 Social equality (through everyone’s right to education and health care
together with redistributive wealth policies)
 An important role of women in public life
 Values of pragmatism and hard-working (i.e. work is seen as intrinsically
important although Finns also like their long vacations), determinism and
ethics
 Innovation and creativity as key qualities to future success
 Design is valued (e.g. Alvar Aalto’s functionalistic architecture or Marimekko’s
colorful textiles)
Source: Lovio & Välikangas: The National Innovation System of Finland

Stages of
industrial
and
economic
development
in Finland
Source: Dahlman, Routti, & Ylä-Anttila (2006: 96)

Incentives for the Finnish National Innovation
System
• Key incentives for innovation policy include RDI funding and programmes of
the Academy of FinlandLink to an external website, Business FinlandLink to an
external website and the EULink to an external website.
• The Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY
Centres) and the regional councils use EU regional and structural policyLink to
an external website funds to support the RDI activities of companies and
corporations.
• In addition, innovation-friendly regulation and operating

environment, ecosystems under developmentLink to an external website and
cooperation networks and platforms create their own opportunities and
incentives.
Source: Innovation policy - Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (tem.fi)

Finnish Education
System
The education system

is often viewed as part
of the Finnish
Innovation System due
to the high skills
required by advanced
industries
Source: http://www.oamk.fi/extra/degree/artikkelit/14/
Education in Finland - Think Global, Teach Local
What makes Finnish education effective and fun: (video)
Source: http://thinkglobalteachlocal.weebly.com/education-in-finland.html
What could be an ideal form of education
for you that would strengthen your
innovation competences?!
The Finnish Educational Ecosystem
 The fundamental elements of the Finnish educational system:
 Flexibility of the educational structure,
 Lifelong learning throughout the system,
 Enhancement-led and encouraging evaluation practices,
 Superior education and professional roles for teachers, and
 Local responsibilities in developing curricula
 The main objective of the Finnish education policy is to offer all citizens
equal opportunities to receive education, regardless of age, domicile,
financial situation, sex or mother tongue. Education is considered to be
one of the fundamental rights of all citizens (FNBE, 2014).
Source: Hannele et al. 2014. Finnish Innovations and Technologies in Schools. A Guide
towards New Ecosystems of Learning.
Sisu as an one factor of the Finnish Innovation System
 SISU – there is no English word for sisu.

 Loosely translated it means: stoic determination, bravery, guts,
resilience, perseverance and hardiness
 The origin of sisu comes from the Finland’s agricultural history.

 the harsh climate and long winters were fighting you every step of the
way.
 This daily fight against the elements throughout the centuries created
the Finnish sisu and made strong-willed, self-determined individuals.
 The mentality of Finns is – ”never, ever, give up”.
 Finns always prepare well, even for innovation.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-stands-way-finnish-innovations-part-2-ron-broens
Faces of Social Innovation in Finland
Social innovations are innovations that change the direction

of social development to the best (Zapf 1989)
The most significant achievement and strength of Finland’s

society is:
its free general education

small income disparities,
little poverty and
the wide participation of women in working life
Source: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/socialinnovationeurope/fi/social-innovation-finland
Aalto Design Factory
Source: http://designfactory.aalto.fi/
Xinno XAMK (Mikkeli)
Sources: www.mamk.fi; www.xamk.fi

Launching initiations that foster innovation within
students and professionals
 SLUSH - The world’s leading startup event (https://www.slush.org/)
 a conference bringing together the early-stage startup ecosystem in
the region to meet top-tier venture capitalists and media from around
the world
 Maria 01 - Maria 01 - The Nordics' Leading Startup Campus

 The Nordics’ Leading Startup Campus:
Finnish experience of innovation management
 During the last 20 years, the Finnish economy is reoriented from natural
resources to the high-tech industry
 Finland is a country of “conquered high-tech”
 Finland managed to become one of the leaders of the post-industrial world

(as well as Sweden, Germany, Israel and some other countries) due to
1. purposeful policy of the state,
2. effective interaction with business and
3. long-term investment in science, innovation and education
Source: Zhuparova Aziza 2015. Comparactie Analysis of Open Innovation Management:

Finnish Experience and Kazakhstan’s Practice
ROVIO / Angry Birds ®
Let’s check ROVIO homepage:
https://www.rovio.com/about/
• Rovio Entertainment is a global entertainment media company.
• Headquartered in Finland with studios across the world, Rovio is the

creator of Angry Birds™, the casual mobile game that changed an industry
and became an international phenomenon.
• Today Angry Birds is not only the most downloaded game of all time, it is a
renowned entertainment brand that has branched out into animation,
books, licensing and more.
• A multifaceted entertainment house, Rovio currently employs nearly 500

professionals from 53 different nationalities across its offices around the
world.
Source: http://www.rovio.com/about-us
Finland
as a home of
Educational, Business & Social Innovations
Source: Finland Factbook 2020 - Finland Toolbox
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
•FINLAND – THE MOST INNOVATIVE AND EDUCATED COUNTRY IN
THE WORLD*
2.11.2016
(* The World Economic Forum, Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015

THE HOME OF WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION
4TH
IN HIGHER
EDUCATION
SYSTEMS
2nd highest performing
graduates*
*Education at a Glance 2016 *U21 ranking 2015

(OECD)
EQUAL LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
SUPERIOR EDUCATION AVAILABLE FOR ALL WITH NO DEAD-ENDS
Lifelong learning begins in High-quality education is Dropout rate is really low in

early childhood. guaranteed to all children. basic education. About
99,4%
Fairest country for children* The learning gap of the of pupils will go through the
weakest and the strongest basic compulsory education.
Education is free from pre- pupils - one of the Learners can always proceed
primary to higher education. narrowest in the world. to an upper level of education.
*UNICEF Office of Research 2016

CABABLE AND COMMITTED TEACHERS
100%
INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS
1. Research-based pedagogy
2. Innovative approach to teaching and

OF ALL FINNISH learning
TEACHERS HOLD A
MASTERS DEGREE 3. Highly qualified and trained teachers
Popular profession – only
the most suitable 4. Autonomous – free to decide how to
selected for training best do their work
2.11.2016 5
FORWARD LOOKING LEARNING
METHODS
DIGITAL SELF- OUT OF THE INTERDISCIPLARY

APPLICATIONS TO EVALUATION CLASSROOM – LEARNING
ENGAGE INSTEAD OF INTO THE WORLD ARCROSS
LEARNERS COMPETITION SUBJECTS
Cloud-based e- Assessment Playfull mobile Coding in addition to

learning platforms & systems providing solutions, reading, writing and
infrastructure unique learning educational games arithmetic.
solutions analytics. & software. Digital learning
content & resources.
2.11.2016
6
FINLAND TAKES EDUCATION TO
NEW HEIGHTS
SMART ACTIVE &

LEARNING ENGAGED SKILLED LIFELONG
ENVIRONMENTS STUDENTS WORKFORCE LEARNING
That are fit for Learning is based Universities and is encouraged and
purpose, positive on teacher-student polytechnics enabled. More than
& healthy. High interaction produce 50% of adults
return on and building a skill innovations and a participate in adult
investment using set for the future competent education yearly
innovative ed-tech workforce.
solutions.
NEARLY 50% CONTINUE
TO VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING,
OFFERING A PATHWAY TO
HIGHER EDUCATION –
OR STRAIGHT TO WORKLIFE.
2.11.2016
8
BEST OF FINLAND – AT YOUR SERVICE
• FINNISH CONCEPT SCHOOL • TAILORED & SCALABLE MODULES
• A complete 360° package combining the • Finnish excellence in education is

physical and digital dimensions of inspiring available across languages and
classroom and learning environments with cultures. Choose from scalable, tailored
curricula design, pedagogically optimized modules that take into account cultural
high-quality teacher training and self- traits and are easily localized to yield the
motivating and active learning. best results.
IF YOU WANT TO
LEARN HOW TO LEARN,
ASK FINLAND.
2.11.2016 10
Good News from Finland
• A new global ranking has placed Finland

at the top of the list of countries whose
national policies are conducive to
innovation.
– Altogether, the inaugural Consumer

Technology Association
(CTA) identified 13 countries for its
International Innovation Scorecard.
• The cleanliness of Finland’s

water and air are important
ingredients fueling its innovative
environment.
Source: http://www.goodnewsfinland.com/finland-innovation-champion-world/
Source:Finland Factbook 2020 - Finland Toolbox
Appeal of the Finnish Business Environment
• Follow the success path of GE Healthcare, Google, Huawei, Rolls-
Royce and Zalando – all of these companies have chosen Finland
as a hub for digitalizing their business.
• Finnish forests – our green gold – have been transformed into

multiple bioeconomy innovations, such as biofuels, cross-
laminated timber and textile fibres
• In Finland – the best business environment in EU (according to

FDI Attractiveness Scoreboard).
Source: Finland Fact Book 2018 in English - Invest in Finland

https://www.investinfinland.fi/documents/162753/197730/Finland+Fact+Book/7b46dfaa-209f-4e27-
9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
ICT & Digitalization
• Currently half of the world’s population uses mobile technologies
developed in Finland
• GAMING
• Finland is home to world-leading mobile gaming companies, such as
Supercell, Rovio and Fingersoft.
• Industry revenues have been the world’s highest in relation to the
population.
• In total, there are some 300 game studios in Finland
High-Tech
Ecosystems
Gaming Wearables IoT

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
• WEARABLES
• The first wearable fitness trackers were developed in Finland

(industry trailblazers – Finnish companies such as Polar and
Suunto)
• Finnish wearables solutions cover everything from augmented

reality glasses and smart jeweler to smart clothes and smart
fabrics.
High-Tech
Ecosystems

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
• IoT (Internet of Things)
• Finland boasts excellent data

engineering and business intelligence
competencies.
• Finland as a pioneer of Industrial

Internet:
– with a world-class cluster of
machinery companies, such as
Kone, Metso, Valmet and
Wärtsilä,
High-Tech
Ecosystems

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
Finding talents for your organisation

Source: Finland Factbook
2020 - Finland Toolbox
9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
The Greenest Eco-Systems in the World
• We have the largest energy cluster in Northern
Europe.
– Industry leaders like ABB and Wärtsilä have
their roots in the long tradition of the Finnish
energy sector.
• We have some of the lowest energy prices in

Europe, both for industry and consumers.
• Finland has huge demand for biofuels:

– The country’s new national energy and
climate strategy outlines that by 2030, the share
of biofuels in transport will have increased to
30%.
• ”Due to the supply of wind, the stable country rating

and very transparent structures, Finland is an
attractice market for investments in the onshore wind
sector.” (Michael Ebner, Managing Director, KGAL Investment
Management)

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
The Epicentre of the Bioeconomy Revolution
• In early 2017, the Finnish company Neste
launched a renewable diesel made entirely from
waste and residues.
• New start-ups such as Metgen, Paptic and

Spinnova develop and commercialise
technologies based on novel Finnish
innovations like dissolving pulp for textiles
• Searching and building new competences for

development of high value added products:
– Flexible screens, sound systems,

car parts, biodegradable packaging
materials, adhesives, paints,
cosmetics, medicines, textiles, wood
are likely to serve many new markets in the
future

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
World’s safest destination for your business
• Those tourists and business people

looking for green values should
definitely head to Finland.
– The country is the safest place for

tourists and businesses and also
ranks highest for environmental
sustainability (2017 WEF Travel &
Tourism Competitiveness Reports –
comparison of 136 countries)

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
Smart maritime – Smart Logistics
• Finns know how to break ice.
– 60% of all the ice breakers in the
world are built and 80% are
designed in Finland
• Finland is the logistics hub for

tracking freight between Northern
Europe and Asia.
– Offering the fastest flight

connections between Europe
and Asia.
• See freight is handled in over 30

Finnish ports.

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
Smart money follows smart people…

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
Venture Capital availability

Operating Environment
• According to BMI Research, Finland will remain one of the most politically stable
countries globally over the course of our 10-year forecast period (2016-2025).
• The main reasons:

• Finland’s well established and functioning state bureaucracy
• An effective rule of law
• Various personal freedoms and civil liberties (such as one of the world’s most
progressive gender equality legislations)

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
Business Climate
• Finland is the EU country that has improved its cost competitiveness position the most
due to an increase in its relative wage competitiveness combined with reductions
in corporate tax rates
• Setting up a business in Finland is quick and easy. Opening a legal entity takes one to
two weeks
– (Registration within 1-2 days and also online)
– As of 2021, Finland’s corporate tax sat at 20%, which is significant but also outpaced by its
neighbors. Portugal hits corporations with 31.5% tax rates, and Germany isn’t far behind,
demanding 29.94%. On average, the European Union average is 21.9%.
Sources: Finland Factbook 2020 - Finland Toolbox ; European Tax Rate Comparison | Saldo
Infrastructure
• Finland was a forerunner in rolling out 3G networks and has recently launched the
most advanced 5G test network in the world.
• The recently completed, ultra-fast and cyber-secure submarine cable connection

between Helsinki and Rostock, Germany, established a new digital highway between
Finland and countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
– Already 80% of all Internet traffic between Western Europe and Russia goes
through Finland

9147-3b7ed6624d8a/
Business Finland
TEAM FINLAND
A PATH TO GLOBAL MARKETS
• Business Finland offers Finnish companies a unified customer journey for innovation
activities, internationalization, investments, and tourism promotion.
Source: For Finnish customers - Business Finland

From International to Global
• INTERNATIONAL GROWTH
– Business Finland helps • BUSINESS FINLAND´S
Finnish companies to go SERVICES FOR THE CREATION
global and coaches AND DEVELOPMENT OF
companies in every phase of ECOSYSTEMS
their internationalization. – Ecosystems improve
– We help your company to find companies’ opportunities to
new partners, experts and innovate, grow and succeed in
networks all around the world. the international competition.
– Our global network has 148 – Small and medium sized
experts in 35 countries. enterprises in particular get
fuel for growth, and large
companies that often act as
growth engines speed up their
renewal.
Source: International growth - Business Finland

Team Finland
Source: Team Finland - Team Finland (team-finland.fi)

Team Finland
MISSIONS
• The Finnish missions around the world work to promote the
successful internationalisation of Finnish companies. Ministry for
Foreign Affairs and missions
• Help companies in establishing connections
• Offer information about the markets and opportunities in each country
• Support questions related to entry-into-market
• In addition to these services, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs
provides funding from development funds to private sector
instruments that contribute to the partnerships of Finnish companies
and business opportunities in the developing countries.
• The Ministry for Foreign Affairs can furthermore provide information on
how to benefit from EU's trade agreements around the world.
Source: Network in Finland and globally - Team Finland (team-finland.fi)

Let’s practice
Topic: EUROPE AS AN INTERNATIONAL, MULTICULTURAL INNOVATION ECO-
SYSTEM
What could be created / improved / changed for a better life

via
Creating
(1) educational,
(2) business and
(3) socially-driven innovations
in the international and multicultural Finnish marketspace?

What could be an ideal digital
international environment for your
professional life?
HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE IN CONTACT!
You can find me also online
Dr. Mikhail Nemilentsev
mikhail.nemilentsev@xamk.fi / www.xamk.fi / www.linkedin.com/in/mikhail-nemilentsev

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Innovation Management – Lessons from Finland

Dr. Mikhail Nemilentsev (XAMK)

e) Finland (Social) Innovation System: education + society +

– 11.00-12.00: Group Work – Final Preparations including

– 12.00-13.00: Lunch break

– 13.00-15.00: Group Presentations, Discussion, Feedback / 15 min.

– 15.00-17.00: Reflections in Mini-Groups /1-1,5 A4 from each group

LESSONS FROM FINLAND

Image Source: https://mymodernmet.com/finnish-baby-box/

Image Source: https://medium.com/@dcorbacho/xylitol-and-finland-4b5e77de2cd2

Image Source: https://newsnowfinland.fi/domestic/veikkaus-raises-the-stakes-on-gambling-wins

Image Source: https://vnk.fi/en/government-report-on-the-future

Source:Doing Business in Finland - World Bank Group

Source: Lovio & Välikangas: The National Innovation System of Finland

Source: Dahlman, Routti, & Ylä-Anttila (2006: 96)

• In addition, innovation-friendly regulation and operating

Source: Innovation policy - Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (tem.fi)

The education system

What makes Finnish education effective and fun: (video)

 SISU – there is no English word for sisu.

 The origin of sisu comes from the Finland’s agricultural history.

 Finns always prepare well, even for innovation.

Social innovations are innovations that change the direction

The most significant achievement and strength of Finland’s

its free general education

Sources: www.mamk.fi; www.xamk.fi

 Maria 01 - Maria 01 - The Nordics' Leading Startup Campus

 Finland is a country of “conquered high-tech”

 Finland managed to become one of the leaders of the post-industrial world

Source: Zhuparova Aziza 2015. Comparactie Analysis of Open Innovation Management:

• Rovio Entertainment is a global entertainment media company.

• Headquartered in Finland with studios across the world, Rovio is the

• A multifaceted entertainment house, Rovio currently employs nearly 500

(* The World Economic Forum, Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015

*Education at a Glance 2016 *U21 ranking 2015

Lifelong learning begins in High-quality education is Dropout rate is really low in

*UNICEF Office of Research 2016

2. Innovative approach to teaching and

DIGITAL SELF- OUT OF THE INTERDISCIPLARY

Cloud-based e- Assessment Playfull mobile Coding in addition to

SMART ACTIVE &

• FINNISH CONCEPT SCHOOL • TAILORED & SCALABLE MODULES

• A complete 360° package combining the • Finnish excellence in education is

• A new global ranking has placed Finland

– Altogether, the inaugural Consumer

• The cleanliness of Finland’s

• Finnish forests – our green gold – have been transformed into

• In Finland – the best business environment in EU (according to

Source: Finland Fact Book 2018 in English - Invest in Finland

Gaming Wearables IoT

Source: Finland Fact Book 2018 in English - Invest in Finland

• The first wearable fitness trackers were developed in Finland

• Finnish wearables solutions cover everything from augmented

Gaming Wearables IoT

Source: Finland Fact Book 2018 in English - Invest in Finland

• Finland boasts excellent data

• Finland as a pioneer of Industrial

Gaming Wearables IoT

Source: Finland Fact Book 2018 in English - Invest in Finland

Source: Finland Factbook 2020 - Finland Toolbox

• We have some of the lowest energy prices in

• Finland has huge demand for biofuels:

• ”Due to the supply of wind, the stable country rating

Education at a Glance 2016 U21 ranking 2015