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At Vaasa EnergyWeek, experts highlighted how dual-use technologies, export growth and geopolitical awareness are becoming essential building blocks for resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
Dual-use products, services and technologies, those with both civilian and defence applications, are gaining importance at a rapid pace.
Ambassador Harri Mäki-Reinikka from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, with extensive diplomatic experience, emphasized that Europe is now investing heavily in defence.
“If we look at the global situation with wars and conflicts, and what the EU, NATO and individual countries are doing, there are significant funding opportunities available for companies looking to export,” he said.
Mäki-Reinikka was one of the keynote speakers at a fully booked seminar titled Financing Innovation for a Resilient Future, held at Vaasa City Hall on Wednesday as part of Vaasa EnergyWeek.
Exports and growth go hand in hand
Mauri Kotamäki, Chief Economist at Finnvera, highlighted the strong link between export growth and overall economic growth.
“The correlation is even stronger than one might expect,” he noted, adding that while causality works both ways, economic growth tends to drive exports more than the other way around.
Kotamäki also pointed out that exports are closely tied to geopolitics, an area he described as increasingly complex.
“It has always been complicated, but recently it feels like my head is exploding every time I read the news,” he said.
Navigating uncertainty without standing still
Political uncertainty has increased significantly, and this is also affecting investment decisions. Despite this, Kotamäki stressed that uncertainty alone should not prevent companies from entering new markets.
“If a market is uncertain, that in itself is not a reason to avoid trade,” he said.
Instead, companies should focus on managing risk and making use of available tools.
“Given the volatility, it is important for companies to be aware that there are instruments available, and Finnvera provides many of them.”
Energy resilience in an electrified society
Jussi Åkerberg, Head of Programmes at Business Finland, addressed the growing importance of energy resilience.
He noted that Finland has a clean and versatile energy system, but also faces new challenges as society becomes increasingly electrified.
“Society as a whole is moving towards electrification, and we will become highly dependent on electricity,” Åkerberg said.
From niche expertise to defence applications
Lumikko, a company specializing in dual-use thermal management technologies, provides solutions that protect both people and electronics from heat.
CEO Lauri Latvala explained that the company entered the defence sector as early as 1985 by building on its core expertise.
“We simply focused on doing what we do best,” he said.
Funding opportunities for companies of all sizes
Henrik Granqvist, Business Analyst at the Economic Development Centre, highlighted funding opportunities specifically targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises.
New programmes are being launched to support companies aiming to strengthen their industrial capacity and competitiveness.
Kåre Björkstrand, CEO of Viexpo, added that while his organisation does not provide financing directly, it helps companies identify the most suitable funding solutions for export activities.
“The best day to start exporting is today,” he said.
A clear message: Act now
Mika Palosaari, Director General at the Economic Development Centre, reinforced the same message.
In an increasingly complex and fast-moving global landscape, the time to act is now.
Here you can find the full program and register for events.
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