Impressions of Finland

by Robert ASSADOURIAN

Its situation beyond the 70th degree of the north latitude makes Finland the most northerly European country. It is a land where the strongly contrasted seasons condition the life of the Finns. In the winter, a huge white coat covers the country: the numerous lakes and beaches are frozen, whereas the land is covered with snow. In the summer the nature explodes : the thousand lakes, forests and towns emerge from hibernation to plunge into a bath of light. These life conditions have modelled the Finnish soul, a mixture of melancholy and creative energy.

Independent since less than a century, all the Finns identify themselves in the adventure of Nokia, who has become the world leader of mobiles. They all remember the beautiful story : 50 years ago the company that made shoes went bust ! Since, their two favourite subjects of conversation are time and money. The causes and the consequences of the climatic modifications are the object of fascinated debates whereas the media particularly focus the business world. The TV permanently translates this double preoccupation by broadcasting the weather forecasts and the economic-stock exchange announcements at the same time.

In the Middle Ages, Finland, then populated with Saamis tribes, is annexed by Sweden. In 1809 it becomes the Grand Duchy of Finland, dependent on Russia, then it wins its independence in 1918. Since that date, it is constantly bothered by the Soviet citizens until the end of the cold war. It then abandons its imposed neutrality to turn to the West, and adheres to the European Union in 1995. For the second time, as a convinced European, it will assure the presidency of the EC during the 2nd half of the year 2006.

Today Finland is a parliamentary democracy led by a Prime Minister chosen by a President of the Republic with limited powers. The legislative body is a Parliament or "Eduskunta" composed of 200 members.

The Finnish dynamism relies on 2 vectors of stability: on the one hand, 20 Universities which form competence, and on the other hand the confidence of the investors recovered after the difficulties of the 80s. Although Finland is a small country, it is a big importer of essential capitals for its industrial growth. From the economic point of view the Finns possess important forest resources (forests cover 61 % of the territory), but also strong sectors in telecommunications, electronics and bio-industry which are exporting.

In the 90s, having surmounted an austere economic crisis, Finland turned to Biotechnology which is supported by the Academy of Finland for theoretical research whereas Tekes (National Technology Agency) and Sitra (Finish National Fund for R and D) do the same for applied research. Tekes is the main source of public financing for the chemicals and biotechnology sectors.

Its energy resources are insufficient because 70 % of its consumption is imported. As regards electricity, Russia covers 93 % of the needs. In spite of its environmental preoccupations, Finland turns to nuclear power, which today covers 25 % of its requirements. Consequently, the 5th nuclear power station which will start functioning in 2010 is a true necessity.

Finland claims to be an industrial pioneer: forestry development, chemical industries, biotechnology, but also health, the "well being" and the environment are the centre of the Finnish concerns. We perceived this when we participated from 4th to 7th March 2006 in a meeting entitled "An Innovative Forerunner in Wellbeing" organized within the Finnish European Program. The " Finish well being " is based on a stable economy and a high level of knowledge but also on a physical equilibrium. The "Nordic Fitness Sport Park" is an urban circuit of 120 km which enables the inhabitants of Helsinki to take exercise on foot, on bikes, or in cross-country skiing. These activities are the best preventions against excess weight and cardiovascular disorders which are their first cause of mortality.

Le Classement des 22 premières régions européennes en terme de R&D
(Recherche et Développement et Innovation) souligne le dynamisme finnois.
Cette comparaison est établie à partir de 4 indicateurs du tableau de bord de l'innovation européenne agrégeant les recherches en R&D par rapport au PIB, les dépôts de brevets par million d'habitants, la part de l'emploi dans les secteurs high-tech et la population dans la tranche d'âge 25-64 ans avec niveau élevé d'éducation.

The Bio-industries

The biotechnological research centres rely on the dynamics of Universities such as Helsinki, Turku, Kuopio, Tampere and Oulu, which are nearby and associated to private companies. About 150 Centres in Finland are based on this type of organization.

The health sector is very active; it groups together half of the biotechnological activities which focus R&D and manufacturing.

The therapeutic possibilities against cancer, the consequences of hereditary disorders, Alzheimer diseases, osteoporosis, neurological and coronary disorders constitute the axis of the pharmacological activities of about twenty companies (Ark Therapeutics, Bio Tie Therapies, CTT Cancer Targeting …

About 30 companies, among which Biochemica, Orion Diagnostica and Perkin Elmer are specialised in biodiagnosis, among which 90 % of the production is exported.

The food industry, seen under the angle of excellence, is the criterion retained by companies such as Aromtech, Danisco Finland, Raiso Life Sciences and Valio.

The development of biomaterials is centred on biodegradable bones, used in orthopaedics, facial surgery and dental implants. The works led to the elaboration of enveloping tissues for bandages and loss of substances. A dozen companies, among which Vivoxid, Linvatec Biomaterials, Stick Tech and Inion occupy the sector.

The production of enzymes on an industrial scale is important. AB Enzymes, Roal and Genencor International dominate the market. Alongside the extremely pure enzymes for research, an original enzyme was conceived for the pulp and paper industries, the textile industry and the food industry to improve the yield and reduce the ecological inconveniences of the usually used chemical substances.

The scattering of companies is the weak point of the Finnish biotechnology, which must concentrate its means. However, its high level of knowledge and its expertise are very attractive and big profits are possible in the bio-industrial sector. These assets should attract foreign investors because Finland needs external capital.