Finland’s hunt for a new tech edge

Finland, a former leader in education and mobile technology during the Nokia era, is now prioritizing deep tech like AI and 6G to revive its economy and education system. The country’s technology sector is its largest export industry, contributing over 50% of total exports and 29% of GDP, with mechanical engineering and IT driving growth. However, only 40% of 25- to 34-year-olds hold higher education degrees—below the OECD average of 47%. To address this, Finland has set a 2040 goal of 60% higher education attainment among young adults. Policymakers are expanding tech education programs like *This Works!*, which introduces STEM concepts to seven-year-olds through group problem-solving. University students serve as *tech ambassadors* to inspire younger students, while digital platforms like TikTok are used to engage youth. The government is also advocating for broad, rather than niche, technology regulation to foster innovation. Finland’s strategy includes partnerships between public and private sectors, as seen in initiatives like Aalto University’s space lab and Supercell, a major mobile gaming company. A 2025 workforce survey by the Technology Industries of Finland projects a need for 140,000 new skilled workers in the sector over the next decade, with three-quarters of future jobs requiring higher education. Efforts to reverse past policies—such as avoiding overeducation—are now underway. Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs hosted a media visit to Helsinki, showcasing its tech ecosystem, including Sitra, a think-tank focused on future problem-solving. The country’s shift toward deep tech and innovation aims to restore its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global economy.