We publish writings from Vision 2040 – “When Things in Finland Were Done Boldly and Without Prejudice” on our website. Jaana Komscha-Härkönen, CEO of Breaks, envisions that 2040 Finland will be the leading country in global technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
In 2040, Finland will be a global leader in technological innovation and environmental sustainability. The economy has strengthened significantly thanks to investments in renewable energy, a circular economy, research, and a strong focus on service businesses.
Finland is globally recognized as a developer of smart cities, clean energy, and advanced health technology. By 2040, Finland has also undergone a significant transformation in the service sector, creating several successful global brands, particularly in digital services, tourism, and education. This growth and innovation have emerged from combining Finland’s strengths in technology, sustainable development, and high-quality lifestyle.
The education system has been reformed to meet the needs of the 21st century. Teaching effectively leverages new technology to support learning. At the same time, curricula emphasize emotional and interpersonal skills, as well as creative and critical thinking. Collaboration between educational institutions and businesses has intensified, offering students opportunities to engage with the workforce early on.
Internationally, Finland is a model country for peace and stability. It is an active player in international communities, promoting sustainable development, human rights, and equality. Finland is also recognized as a negotiator and mediator in international conflicts.
In 2040, Finland has not only maintained its position as one of the happiest countries in the world but has also led the way toward a more sustainable, just, and innovative future for all.
Through our company’s solutions, we have created happy work environments where employees thrive and their well-being is prioritized. Our solutions have significantly reduced work-related stress, prevented the spread of burnout, and brought a better balance between work and private life.
We have been involved in strengthening a work culture where employee well-being and training are seen as paramount. This has increased employee satisfaction and commitment and created an environment where everyone feels valued and an important part of the community. By setting an example as a socially sustainable company, we have promoted the adoption of responsibility principles more broadly in business. This has increased corporate social responsibility and improved their reputation among both consumers and investors. This has led not only to better work environments but also to the advancement of broader sustainability in businesses and society.
AI brought tremendous opportunities to our industry, further increasing the scalability of operations. Companies globally have understood how vital it is to support employee well-being and invest in their health.
Investors have realized that instead of focusing solely on maximizing financial metrics and growth, it’s essential to take a broader view and ensure the well-being of people. This is sustainable business, where people genuinely take center stage. Responsible investing is global, and responsibility means more than just a large sack of money for the owners.
Finland’s vision for 2040 was realized through several strategic actions that spanned various sectors of society. These actions not only supported innovation and multiculturalism but also laid a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth and social well-being.
Finland implemented a comprehensive reform of the education system, focusing on lifelong learning and multidisciplinary expertise. This reform was aimed at meeting the needs of future work, encouraging creativity, and critical thinking.
The Finnish government made unprecedented investments in research and development, creating an innovative ecosystem that supported the development of new technologies and services.
The societal atmosphere encouraged experimentation and viewed failures as learning opportunities, which strengthened innovation and a culture of tolerance. The government and businesses focused less on bureaucratic planning and more on concrete action. This meant faster project transitions from planning to execution, encouraging experimentation and rapid iterations.
Immigration policy was designed to support work-based immigration and promote the integration of multiculturalism, enriching Finnish society and the economy. Special emphasis was placed on the commercialization of research and development results. The government and the private sector made significant investments in strengthening the startup ecosystem, providing funding and networking opportunities that encouraged entrepreneurship and helped new companies grow and succeed.
Finland ensured that economic growth and innovation promoted the well-being of all citizens while maintaining the core pillars of the welfare state. The social security system was reformed and developed to provide a safety net for all members of society while maintaining incentives for work and entrepreneurship.
Reactionary thinking, fear of reforms, and an unwillingness to invest in the future could hinder the realization of the vision. Societal division and the rise of populism could also slow progress, as could the inability to see the opportunities brought by immigration. Additionally, if we remain stuck in the planning and review stages without taking concrete action, it will lead to wasted innovations and development ideas as they remain unimplemented.
Now is the time to act boldly and with long-term commitment. We have a unique opportunity to create a sustainable, innovative, and multicultural society that serves as a model for the rest of the world. We must invest in the future economically, culturally, and socially. There is no place for populism and shortsightedness in this work. We need the courage to look forward and renew ourselves. We must look forward together and build a Finland that flourishes in 2040 and beyond.
Jaana Komscha-Härkönen, Breaks
(Picture: Vision 2040 launch event 19.8.2024.)