Cleantech Finland - Contributors of Green Technology
Finland’s innovators are assisting in the search for solutions to the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Finnish cleantech manufacturers, who specialise in the development of cleaner technology, have joined forces to promote their eco-friendly solutions both home and abroad.
Cleantech Finland's common vision covers all fields of industry which seek to make less environmentally harmful services and products required by modern societies.
Cleantech Finland promotes sustainable development through technological innovations that make it possible for us to maintain our standard of living without further damaging our habitat. Cleantech Finland is a Finnish answer to the demands for more responsibility in industrial production and energy consumption.
Finland's challenging conditions as catalyst
Finland has always had to struggle with challenging climate conditions and scarce resources – affecting the growth of production and technological progress. But over time, pioneering visionaries of Finnish technology have gained invaluable know-how, which can withstand international comparison.
Finland, as a small country, is not the biggest cleantech player globally in terms of production volume, but Finnish experience and innovation are in high demand.
Cleantech and Britain: a lot of potential, a lot of learning
In spite of the high expectations of the British cleantech industry, this sector is still in its infancy in comparison to Finland. Cleantech Finland's executive director Santtu Hulkkonen says there is still a good deal to be improved in the fundamentals of the British cleantech. In particular, the production processes used by heavy industry are not as eco-friendly as they are in Finland.
"Make no mistake, there is still a lot to do in Britain, but the country with its vast market area does possess a lot of potential and resources," says Hulkkonen. Hulkkonen names waste management as one of the fastest-developing cleantech sectors in Britain: thanks to well-functioning waste disposal systems, Brits are gradually growing more conscientious in their recycling.
Hulkkonen says the most distinctive feature of the British cleantech sector is its strong consumer awareness. The active demand side clearly serves as an important impetus to the cleantech industry. Britain’s eco-conscious shoppers make up a significant consumer category with large purchasing power, the needs of which environmental-savvy producers and service providers have been able to meet rather well. Hence, when it comes to marketing ecological services and product the Brits have found the right methods through their own experience. “Greenness” can be a selling point if presented right. "In this area we have a lot to learn from the Brits," notes Hulkkonen.
In the eyes of the Finnish cleantech corporations Britain promises new opportunities and challenges, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, bioenergy and cleaner industrial processes, which fall under the Finnish special expertise. The desire of the British construction industry to improve the energy efficiency of its products may also offer new venues for the Finns to explore.
The vastness of the British markets means tougher competition with more actors involved in the development and manufacturing of cleantech-related articles. Therefore, according to Hulkkonen, the greatest single challenge facing the Finnish actors in Britain is how to stand out and be noticed in a positive light. Thankfully, the Finnish knowledge is already recognised in certain sectors, namely those of bioenergy and water systems.
Cleantech Finland is determined to meet the future challenges with ever greater vigour. In order to promote the Finnish cleantech brand internationally the organisation is currently working on a number of media campaigns that will take place in Europe's biggest financial centres, including London. "London is very important to Cleantech Finland in that positive publicity gained there will raise the awareness of British investors thereby benefiting Finnish cleantech providers," Hulkkonen says.
Text: Joonas Mikkilä, Embassy of Finland
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