The Finnish Academy of Technology TTA
News
07.12.2009
Charting the route to a better tomorrow, the Industry Council is launched at a wide-ranging discussion forum in Helsinki
Operations of the Industry Council, a new body reporting to the Technology Academy, were launched on Monday 7th December with a discussion forum in the Bank event arena of Helsinki's Palace Kämp hotel under the title "Taking good care of the future". Participants included individuals representing corporate interests, government organisations and academic bodies, and topics covered included not only the Industry Council's operating concept and the relationships between technology, scientific research and commercial interests, but also the search for an impartial view of how to achieve a better tomorrow and new ways of getting there.
Welcoming the audience of more than 200 invited guests, Stig Gustavson, Chairman of the Board of the Technology Academy, reminded them of the importance of technology based on humane values. "More technology will be needed to achieve a better tomorrow," he said.
Ainomaija Haarla, CEO of the Technology Academy, emphasised the organisation's role as a proponent of humane technology and innovation and highlighted Finland's competitive advantages in the technological sector - cooperation, minimal bureaucracy and also design. "I believe that with the help of design, we can further improve both the usability and aesthetics of technological solutions," she said.
Tapani Järvinen, former Managing Director of Outotec and Chairman of the Industry Council, described the new organisation's operating concept: "We will be promoting the humane development of technology, scientific research and corporate activity by bringing companies, government and the academic world together. As well as encouraging the discussion of topics that are of immediate interest, we'll be providing the tools for developing operational functions and achieving an improved understanding of possible futures." In conclusion, he said: "A humane attitude is a fundamental component in what we do." The Industry Council will participate in networking by organising discussion forums and happenings where the focus is on current issues.
Finland's finances, graduate education and the future of the forest products industry
Reminding the audience that the financial crisis could not yet be considered part of history, Permanent State Secretary Raimo Sailas of Finland's Ministry of Finance said that while Finland has the resources required to handle the situation, the country's budget deficit should be reduced. He also warned that raising income tax is unlikely to encourage people to extend their working careers and highlighted the problems of ageing populations.
Jorma Mattinen, Principal of Åbo Akademi University, spoke of the synergies between the academic and corporate worlds. He said that the task of universities is not only conducting high-quality research and offering high-level tuition, but also educating graduates in the needs of business life. "While academic freedom must be preserved, it would be irresponsible to train young graduates for unemployment," he said. Mattinen also highlighted the short time horizons employed in financing as a real challenge. "The basis for planning education should be long-term, and money for basic research should always be available. This is what makes it possible to conduct so-called 'high-risk' research and to test out crazy ideas, activities that normal businesses simply won't engage in."
Jussi Pesonen, CEO of the forest-products company UPM, said that the industry will come out of the recession even more competitive than before. In response to the current difficulties in the forest sector, UPM is planning to enter the bioforestry industry, and while current paper and technical materials will continue to be part of the range, new products such as biofuels, RFID smart tags, biocomposites and biochemicals will join them. "Our vision is to be a pioneer in the new forest industry," he said. 
An audience opinion poll to determine the most important factors in achieving a better tomorrow in Finland was organised after the final presentation. With 50% of the vote, 'skills and know-how' was the clear favourite.
The Industry Council has 40 corporate members.
Further information:
Industry Council