Finland and Bhutan make a good pair
According to Professor Pekka Himanen, Finland and Bhutan, a poor state in Asia, have much in common.
Professor Pekka Himanen visited Bhutan in January to lecture and to discuss the development of an information society. He participated in the seminar organised by the county’s Prime Minister, Jigme Thinley, and on two occasions had discussions with King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.
In Himanen’s view, Bhutan, which calls itself the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is fascinating in many ways.
The country is located at the roof of the world in the Himalayan mountains and has the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. Bhutan has retained its unique Buddhist culture, which has mystic dimensions. In addition, it is the only country where development is indicated not only by the gross national product but also by gross national happiness.
The departure point for Himanen’s visit was the wish of the Bhutanese hosts to reshape the goal of development.
“The issue is topical in the midst of the global economic crisis. The long-standing economic model has reached an impasse; there is a need for something new. The old model no longer works even according to economic criteria, let alone with regard to the well-being of the environment,” Himanen says.
In his view, Finland and Bhutan share a common drive to seek a deeper goal for development than mere economic growth.
“Both countries offer something of international interest. The Bhutanese call it gross national happiness; we call it the welfare state. It is in global demand. It is no coincidence that our President was appointed to chair the UN Panel on Global Sustainability.”
The Finnish model, which involves a competitive economy combined with a high level of welfare, interests many. Similarly, Bhutan’s idea of gross national happiness is of interest, among others, to economists of the calibre of Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz.
“In order for the idea to spark interest at the level of influential political and economic decision-making, a way must be found to link it with the basic questions underlying economic growth,” he muses.
Attention to education
According to Himanen, systematic investment in education is one of the key factors in development. In Finland, it has been realized that one’s own head it the most important capital.
“The best students want to become teachers. That’s exceptional in many countries,” he points out.
In Himanen’s view, Finland’s example shows that quick changes are possible if there is leadership with vision. It’s worth remembering that even in the 1950s, half of Finns derived their livelihood from agriculture and forestry.
In his view, the current leaders of Bhutan could raise appreciation for education.
“It’s an important national epic they could leave as heritage.”
Another major discussion is linked with support for research and development. Even during the worst of the recession in the 1990s, Finland continued to increase R&D investments.
“The Science and Technology Policy Council led by the Prime Minister was crucial in this. In the end, the information society is not a question of information and communications technology; instead, it is based on people’s skills and a new form of organisation,” he explains.
The next iPhone hit from Bhutan?
Himanen thinks that, from Bhutan’s perspective, the easiest route might be the world of mobile applications.
“That doesn’t require so much highly developed technology or expertise,” he says, mentioning the Angry Birds mobile game as a Finnish example that has taken wing.
The fascinating country and its history have material to offer for mobile applications. Himanen imagines that the next iPhone hit could well come from Bhutan.
“Handicrafts, woodwork, cloths, weaving and jewellery are unique here, and not known to the world. If Western countries knew what was available, and if they were sold on Western markets, prices would increase many times,” he continues, stressing the importance of the mobile Internet to the economy of Bhutan.
Bhutan joined the Internet in 1999, among the last countries to do so. A large proportion of the population is still without connections, nor is it easy to build cable links to every corner of the mountainous country.
Cooperation with India, which is strong in IT know-how, would benefit Bhutan, which balances between the two great Asian powers, China and India.
Philosophical traditions a source of aid to Finns
Finland and Bhutan also have in common a sound national identity as well as a small country’s strong need to be networked with the rest of the world.
According to Himanen, Bhutan would have something to contribute from its own philosophical traditions.
“We can learn about the experience of well-being and happiness. Mental well-being is a great challenge to us. Bhutan is a reminder that our own project is not yet finished.”
“We should be able to progress towards the welfare society version 2.0, where mental well-being would make strides. We must think what should be done in schools and working life to promote this,” he ponders.
Marja-Leena Kultanen