Nordic cooperation opens opportunities for sustainable competitiveness

Securing supply chains and looking for partners closer to home highlights the growing value of Nordic cooperation. Finnish companies have a great deal to offer, says Swedish sustainability expert Marcus Wendin.

The buzz in the corridors of the Subcontracting Fair grows more international every year. Most international visitors come from the Nordic and Baltic countries, with more than 40 nations represented in total.
“We bring foreign buyers and decision-makers to Finland and help exhibitors find new markets,” says Project Manager Sami Siurola from Tampere Trade Fairs.

Finland is a hidden treasure

Marcus Wendin, who arrives in Tampere from Gothenburg, has collaborated with Finnish companies for over 20 years. His company Miljögiraff AB specialises in life cycle assessment (LCA), and its clients include global corporations such as Valmet and Stora Enso, as well as subcontractors, universities and research institutes like Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).

In Wendin’s view, Finnish expertise deserves wider recognition:
“People working in sustainability in Finland have very deep knowledge and experience. Yet, Swedes often think it is difficult to approach Finnish companies because of the language. In reality, cooperation is culturally straightforward. Finland is a hidden treasure, and we should build bridges across these misconceptions,” Wendin reflects.

Sami Siurola adds that in recent years more and more companies have sought alternatives closer to home instead of relying on subcontractors in Asia:
“When partners are nearby, it is easy to meet and solve issues together. In the Nordics, for example, views on data security and intellectual property rights are very similar, which reduces suspicion and builds trust.”

Growth requires scalable volumes and solutions

Finnish subcontractors are particularly strong in producing demanding components and small series. 
“When we strengthen our expertise in risk management and financing, growth will be possible without becoming a financial risk,” Siurola says.

Wendin’s company has also developed solutions to offer more scalability. One of the challenges in life cycle assessment relates to the handling of large data sets, especially for companies with extensive and evolving product ranges.
“We have invested substantially in our own AI-based solutions. Our pilot project showed that what once took 1 000 hours can now be achieved in 200. We will be showcasing our AI solutions for the first time at the Subcontracting Fair, and I am excited to see what discussions they spark,” Wendin says.

Sustainability concerns the entire value chain

Over the past two decades, Wendin has witnessed a clear shift in the nature of sustainability work. Environmental issues are no longer discussed solely as problems but as goals.
“Today, solving environmental challenges increases a company’s value. Sustainable development requires that we work together across the entire value chain and agree on common goals instead of each party simply imposing their own demands,” Wendin explains.

Siurola notes that large corporations increasingly demand sustainability and full transparency throughout their supply chains. Wendin stresses that Finland has been a pioneer particularly in circular economy and eco-design.
“In Finland there is a strong network where companies, research institutes and the public sector work together towards a shared vision. This model of cooperation is inspiring and could be adopted elsewhere too,” he says.
“The transformation of the energy sector, particularly hydrogen-related projects, offers huge potential. We are still waiting for projects to be realised, but once production begins, hundreds of kilometres of pipelines, networks and new facilities will be needed,” Siurola predicts.

Marcus Wendin has long been active in international LCA and eco-design networks. In Finland, he says he has received help from people who have opened the doors to their own networks.
“Curiosity has always been my driving force. I have met open-minded people who are look not for conflict but for possibilities. I have always been welcomed with open arms in Finland,” Wendin says.