2025 Programme (11-15.08)
For the full programme, registration, special offers and more register at ▶▶▶ events.upcode.net ◀◀◀
New Nordic in the World
GENERAL INFO: Participation in general programs is free and open to the public (excluding invitation-only events). Some organizers use external registration – please check. Changes to program topics, speakers, schedules and venues are possible.
Every day in addition: Butterfly exhibition open 10:00 – 16:00 , Guided tours TBC Everything is energy – Energy is everything (E=mc2). Video exhibition about the big picture of energy. Hall of Fame: Innovations generate 75% of all money in the region in both the public and private sectors + Every evening entertainment with real culture. Lunch is available daily at Bock's restaurant between 11:30 – 13:00 (price 13,50€)
The festival live streams can be found at www.youtube.com/@wasafuturefestival/streams
(11.08) Monday - Forest / Sustainability / Butterfly
09:00 - 09:30
Breakfast
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
09:30 - 11:00
From Waste to Value – Circular Economy Seminar
Organizer: Mustasaari Municipality & VASEK IN FINNISH/SWEDISH
Welcome to From Waste to Value, a seminar focused on exploring innovative solutions and opportunities within the circular economy. The event kicks off with an introduction to a developing local circular economy ecosystem Renergi, highlighting collaboration and sustainable growth. This is followed by an inspiring company presentation showcasing practical applications of circular principles in business. The seminar concludes with a keynote by renowned expert Timo Huhtamäki, Entrepreneur, EU Climate Ambassador, Sustainability Influencer of the Year, who will share insights into circular economy-based business models and their transformative potential. Join us to discover how waste can become value.
12:00 - 16:30
Future for Nordic Boreal Forests, Business, Potentials, Technology, Innovations
Organizer: Regional Council of Ostrobothnia
Opening
Mats Brandt – Regional Mayor of Ostrobothnia
12:15 Forests as a power source for the region – Riikka Pirkkalainen – Regional Mayor of Kainuu
12:45 Future of the forest industry, Ali Harlin, research professor, VTT
13:15 Innovations from the industries’ perspective – Niklas von Weymarn, CEO Metsä Spring
13:45 Active Forest Ownership – Tomas Mörtsell, CEO, Tomas Mörtsell Ab
14:00 Coffee break
14:30 Forest services in the future – Björn Stenmark – Finnish Forest Centre
15:00 The future and opportunities for natural value trade – Heli Siitari, enviromental expert and field manager, MTK
15:30 Growth driver in Ostrobothnia – forestry shows the way – Mika Salmi, manager, forest policy, Finnish Forest Industries
16:00 Whereto next? Nina Myllykangas, Finnish Forest Centre
16:30 - 17:30
Overconsumption Culture in Critical Examination
📍 Barn
PRESENTED IN FINNISH.
The panelists are Matti Tuomaala, chairman of the Finnish Nature Conservation Union's Vaasa branch, Enni Ruokamo, researcher and expert at the Finnish Environment Institute, Riku Eskelinen, executive director of the Finnish Nature Conservation Union, and Kerttu Kotakorpi, nature journalist and meteorologist. The event will be hosted by Hanna Hietikko, editor-in-chief of the student media Pomedia.
The topic of the discussion is the fate of humanity. We will consider the culture of overconsumption from the perspective of individuals, organizations, nations and the planet, and we will strive to find constructive solutions to curb climate change and nature loss. The stream can be followed on Pomedia's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Pomediaa).
17:30 - 19:30
Opening (Invitation only): Butterfly – Spotting the butterflies in global human, technology and environment transactions
📍 Catacombs
Rebekah Rousi, University of Vaasa
Elina Melgin, University of Vaasa
Note: The opening party is restricted only for invited guests.
Butterfly exhibition is open to the general public August 12-31, 2025
Website: sites.uwasa.fi/butterfly/en
(12.08) Tuesday - University / Research / Talents
08:30 - 10:30
University of Vaasa: Day Opening, Energy Transition Valley
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Organizer: University of Vaasa
08:30 Refreshments & University Day Opening, Minna Martikainen, Mika Grundström, Tanja Risikko
09:15 Energy Transition Valley, Mika Grundström, Kimmo Kauhaniemi, Martin Meyer
10:30 Coffee break
09:00 - 15:00
Butterfly: Transdisciplinary symposium & workshop: Sustainability in digitalisation, energy, & business
📍 Barn
Register to attend Butterfly Symposium:
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/butterfly-glo-cal-effects-of-data-energy-and-industry-tickets-1520553940769
09:00 - Opening words – Rebekah Rousi & Toija Cinque
09:15 - Keynote presentation – Juhani Risku: Art and design are phenomena of higher abstraction of knowledge, skill, understanding and criticism –> New leadership begins
10:00 - Coffee
10:15 - Paper presentations
11:15 - 12:15 Lunch (own cost)
12:15 - Keynote presentation – Anne Stenros: Creativity
13:00 - Paper presentations
14:00 - Coffee
14:15 - 15:00 Fishbowl discussion
More info: sites.uwasa.fi/butterfly/en/symposium-workshop-programme
10:30 - 10:40
(Greetings) Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Topic: Knowledge and ability to apply natural sciences – the key to the Finnish economy. Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Lenna Talvitie (National Coalition Party) .This is a video greeting.
11:00 - 12:30
Business Renewal: AI2Business – Shaping Future with AI
Organizer: University of Vaasa
Welcome Speech
Speakers: Marko Kohtamäki | University of Vaasa
Sanna Peltonen | VAMK University of applied sciences
AI-driven innovations in the business and research
Speaker: Marko Komssi | VTT
Industrial use-cases of AI-enabled innovations
Speaker: Pasi Tuominen | Wapice Oy
AI in learning and educational innovations
Speaker: Pekka Koponen | Infinit Capital & University of Vaasa
The AI Frontier: From Theoretical Foundations to Practical Breakthroughs
Panelists: Marko Komssi, Pasi Tuominen, and Pekka Koponen
Host: Marko Kohtamäki
Closing Remarks
Speakers: Marko Kohtamäki and Sanna Peltonen
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Marko Komssi is a senior scientist at VTT and an entrepreneur with extensive experience in research and the global software industry. His work explores the dynamic intersection of AI-driven software technologies and business model innovation.
Pasi Tuominen, CEO of Wapice Oy, applies his deep expertise in industrial software to develop AI-powered digital solutions. He focuses on building intelligent IoT platforms that support new business models and seamless cloud integration in the energy sector.
Pekka Koponen is the Chair of Infinit Capital, a family office investing in companies that are shaping a better future, with a focus on education innovation. He is also a Professor-of-Practice of Industrial Transformation at the University of Vaasa.
11:00 - 12:00
Regional needs, opportunities and challenges related to the regional energy system in future
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Organizer: University of Vaasa
Mona Enell-Nilsson, Antti Mäenpää
12:00 - 12:30
Tackling GHG emissions with AI
Tackling GHG emissions throughout supply chains with AI and other digital technologies, Juha Arrasvuori
13:00 - 15:30
Live newsroom: How is journalism created?
Organizer: Pomedia
PRESENTED IN FINNISH How is journalism created? Why is it done? What does the audience think about it? Come and brainstorm topics, consider perspectives, give feedback and discuss journalistic choices with journalists! In the live newsroom, you can suggest your hottest story ideas, give critical feedback and praise, and discuss what journalism is and what it could be.
Local and far-flung professional journalists and the audience will meet in this meeting place, conceived by communication science students at the University of Vaasa, in an unprecedented way, as the line between the creators and the audience is removed. At best, the end result can be an understanding of the media's operations, the audience's needs, and journalistic stories that can actually be published!
13:00 - 14:30
Resilient Society
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Panel 1. University-city cooperation in support of sustainable growth
Moderator: Associate Professor Helka Kalliomäki
Panelists: Rector Minna Martikainen, Mayor Tomas Häyry, Special Expert on University-city Cooperation Sampo Ruoppila, Professor Marko Kohtamäki
Panel 2. Local and regional preparedness
Moderator: Research Director Petri Uusikylä
Panelists: Professor of Working Life Hanna Smith, Safety Director Jan Haglund (Wärtsilä) and Director of Avi Marko Pukkinen. The initiators are yet to be confirmed separately.
14:30 - 15:30
Thought Leaders Roundtable: Energy Transition for Climate Action
Organized by University of Vaasa
According to the IPCC, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 43% by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. Affordable and Green Energy is a key enabler to meet emissions targets. The purpose of this session is to develop a shared agenda of how universities and specifically schools of business, engineering and governance can advance energy transition for climate action. We aim to identify priorities and actions for university and thought leaders to pursue in this core area to mitigate climate change.
Participants:
• Professor Minna Martikainen, Rector, University of Vaasa
• Professor Eileen McAuliffe, Executive Vice President, Chief Thought Leadership Officer, AACSB International
• Professor Eeva Leinonen, President, NUI Maynooth
• Professor Hanna-Leena Pesonen, Dean School of Business and Economics, Jyväskylä University, Co-Chair of Energy Steering Panel at the European Academies Science Advisory Council, Member of the AACSB European Advisory Council, and Board Member of GRLI (Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative).
• Professor Tooraj Jamasb, Copenhagen Business School, CBS Endowed Professor of Energy Economics and Director for Copenhagen School of Energy Infrastructure (CSEI).
• Professor James Smith, Edwin L. Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University, Professor in Energy Economics.
Moderator:
• Professor Martin Meyer, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, University of Vaasa
15:30 - 17:00
Panel discussion: The allure of strong leaders and populism
📍 Barn
PROGRAM IN FINNISH. Moderator Eveliina Yli-Rahnasto, Panelists: Esa Hyyryläinen, University of Vaasa; Paula Risikko, politician, Markku Mantila editor-in-chief, Ilkka-Pohjalainen, Olli Seuri, editor-in-chief, Uusi Juttu
Stream can be followed on Pomedia's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Pomediaa).
16:15 - 20:45
YoungTalk25 – Thriving with International Talent
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Organizer: YoungTalk, VAMK & partners
16:15 Networking starts
16:25 Musical performance
16:45 Opening Remarks and Highlights from YoungTalk24 by Moderators Cathy Leonelle, Johanna Välimäki and Sami Korpela
Get Inspired: Thriving with International Talent
• Laura Lindeman (Senior Director of Work in Finland Unit at Business Finland)
• Malin Gustavsson (Founder, Ekvalita)
• Presentation of Ready for Talents -project results (Sara Nyyssölä)
At 17:45 Co-creation Starts
17:45 A moment of interaction with the audience
Theme 1: Young Talent´s Perspectives – Pitch Talk: Abel Muparadzi, Edupower Solution discussion at the tables
18:30 A moment of interaction with the audience
Theme 2: Business Perspectives – Pitch Talks: Chi Nguyen, Alteams Solution discussion at the tables
19:15 Break
19:30 A moment of interaction with the audience
Theme 3: Entrepreneurship Perspectives – Pitch Talks: Robin Hagqvist, Vaasa Entrepreneurship Society Solution discussion at the tables
20:15 Closing Remarks by Minister Joakim Strand
20:30 Exploring Solutions and Next Steps by Moderators
20:45 Event ends
(13.08) Wednesday - Energy / Technology
09:00 - 09:30
Breakfast
09:05 - 16:00
Space Day – European Space Agency Business Incubation Center
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Left Wing
FINNISH AND ENGLISH European Space Agency PhiLab, Riccardo Notarangelo
09:00 – 11:00 Educational program for school children based around satellites and rockets.
Afternoon session: The purpose of this session is to create awareness of funding instruments, space strategy, and engage with existing startups to solve problems, and create pipeline for applications.
09:15 - 11:00
EnergySampo 1: Customers for green H2
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Organizer: Merinova
The purpose of the EnergySampo innovation ecosystem is to develop system-level renewable energy solutions for the needs of a carbon-neutral society. We believe that Finland will become a green hydrogen superpower by 2030. However, this will not happen by itself, but rather requires innovation, new solutions and cooperation between actors to transform value chains into profitable business models for all companies in different industries. While the discussion has so far been production-oriented, we want to raise the role of customers as users of hydrogen and various hydrogen derivatives.
09:30 Decarbonising the maritime industry - Magdalena Granö, Director, Customer Deliveries, Wärtsilä Marine
09:45 Alternative futures for hydrogen projects on the West Coast, Sari Kola, EnergySampo
EnergySampo aims to bring new perspectives to the discussion. We aim to act as a driver for national discussion – and the scenario work done during the spring will serve as an opening for the discussion.
10:00 Panel discussion: Moderator, Sari Kola, EnergySampo
Who uses hydrogen, why and for what?
Magdalena Granö, Director, Customer Deliveries, Wärtsilä Marine
Matti Vaattovaara, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy Finland
Janne Peljo, Chief Policy Adviser, Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK)
Jenni Borg, General Counsel, P2X Solutions
10:45 Summary, break
10:00 - 16:00
The Butterfly Effect: Five Victorian Frogs Immersive Learning Experience (ILE)
📍 Catacombs
Organizer: Vaasan yliopisto, The Butterfly -project Rebekah Rousi
As part of the Butterfly educational programme, visitors aged five to ninety-five are invited to engage with the natural world through a guided exploration of the exhibition and the Five Victorian Frogs Immersive Learning Experience (ILE). This interactive AR installation brings five of Victoria’s endemic frog species to life—each a vital bio-indicator of environmental change.
Following the experience, participants take part in a reflective discussion on ecological butterfly effects, climate change, and species interdependence. The session concludes with a short survey, encouraging critical thinking and personal connection to environmental futures. Designed to inspire curiosity, care, and climate consciousness, this learning experience blends digital media, scientific insight, and playful inquiry.
The programme will be available every hour (except lunchtime) starting on the hour, and will last for 45 minutes. To book a time, please contact rebekah.rousi@uwasa.fi (or phone +358 442381044).
More about Butterfly educational programme: sites.uwasa.fi/butterfly/education-programme
11:00 - 12:15
EnergySampo 2: Collaborating for growth
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Organizer: Merinova
The purpose of the EnergySampo innovation ecosystem is to develop system-level renewable energy solutions for the needs of a carbon-neutral society. Public actors, especially municipal and city development companies, play a significant role in enabling cooperation. BotH2nia hydrogen valley is a great example of this.
11:00 Hydrogen technology and industry development in Finland, Ilkka Homanen, Business Finland
The importance of hydrogen for the Finnish economy and Finnish companies.
11:15 Good practice: The story of BotH2nia Hydrogen Valley, Sari Kola, Merinova.
How did the application for hydrogen valley funding in spring 2024 go? What is required as a basis for meaningful cooperation? How to ensure the efficient use of public funding?
11:30 – 12:15 Panel discussion, moderated by Sari Kola, Merinova
Role of different actors in solving systemic problems.
Ilkka Homanen, Business inland
Simo Säynevirta, H2 Springboard Ecosystem, ABB
Pia Karumaa, Danfoss Drives
Matti Luhtanen, Prizztech
13:00 - 16:00
DigiMe project workshop
📍 Barn
Rumy Narayan & Sniazhana Diduc, Vaasan yliopisto
13:00 - 14:00
Panel discussion: EnergyVaasa cluster at the heart of strategic reforms – towards a more competitive Finland
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Organizer: EnergyVaasa
The EnergyVaasa cluster has renewed its strategy to respond to changes in the operating environment and EU and national policies.
The panel brings together experts from business, research and the public sector to discuss how the cluster can act as an effective implementer and accelerator of national and EU-level strategic goals – while strengthening the competitiveness and innovation potential of Finland as a whole.
The discussion will examine the following themes in particular:
• Supporting startups and scale-ups as part of the cluster's renewed strategy: What can the cluster offer to support the development and internationalization of growth companies?
• Strengthening research, development and innovation cooperation: How can EnergyVaasa act as a bridge builder between universities and companies?
• Resilience and autonomy of companies: How can we strengthen the adaptability of companies in the region to global challenges?
• Attractiveness of the investment environment: What measures will be taken to make the Vaasa region a more attractive destination for international investors?
Moderator: Sabina Storbacka, Merinova.
The panelists:
Tomi Kaarniemi, Lead, Exploration & Scouting, Wärtsilä Energy
Jussi Loukiainen, CEO & Co- founder, Platonic partnership Oy
Tauno Kekäle, Project manager, Merinova
Petri Kärki, Vice President, Hitachi Energy Energy Storage EMEA & Country Lead Grid Automation Finland
Pia Karumaa, Director, Research collaboration, Danfoss Drives
Mika Grundstrom, Vice Principal, University of Vaasa
13:00 - 14:00
Logistic issues in three Ostrobothnian provinces in the overall security point of view
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
IN FINNISH. Antti Kurvinen, Member of Parliament
Reino Virrankoski, LSK Business Park Oy
Vaasa electoral district consists of three administrative provinces: Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia and Central Ostrobothnia. The area is home to significant energy-, food-, metal- and chemical industry, and significant ICT expertise is also located there. The main routes of Western Finland pass the area. Several railroad-connected harbors locate within the shoreline, and there exists a significant water transport connection over the Gulf of Bothnia (Kvarken) between Finland and Sweden. It would be technically possible to develop the connection further to physical one. There exist civilian airports in Vaasa, Kokkola and Seinäjoki, and a big former airbase in Kauhava, where it currently operates as IFR-approved airfield.
Current international security situation and Finland’s recent membership in NATO requires major investments in defense in the infrastructure, which is important in defense and overall security point of view. What are the implications in three Ostrobothnian provinces at Vaasa electoral district, and what is the significance form local level all the way to the international cooperation?
14:30 - 16:00
Photonics in the Energy Transition
Energy from Light – Photonics in the Energy Transition
Photonics opens new opportunities for clean energy production, storage, and utilization. In solar cell technology, efficiency improvements are driven by advances in light management, material design, and tandem structures. Moreover, photocatalytic hydrogen production enables direct conversion of sunlight into hydrogen – without the need for electricity. Photonics Finland Jyrki Saarinen ja Juha Purmonen
TBA Spot-it European in-door PV, Åbo Academy fibertechnology etc. printed battery solutions.
14:30 - 16:00
GigaVaasa Talk Part 2: Energy Storage and Energy-Intensive Industry – An Opportunity for the Vaasa Region
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Investments in the clean transition continue to gain momentum, and Finland – particularly the Vaasa region – remains one of the key players in attracting them. Actors in the battery value chain, energy storage, and data centres are seeking suitable locations close to renewable energy production. The Vaasa region offers several other competitive advantages that also draw in investments.
This time, we’ll discuss those competitive advantages, the current status of investment projects, and the next steps forward.
It’s that time of year again – so sit back, enjoy the dialogue, and feel free to jump in with your sharp questions and comments!
Keynotes by
Jenny Hasu, VTT, Manager, Relations, Microelectronics and Quantum
Tore Ivar Slettemoen, Chairman and Founder of Vanir Green Industries
Participating in panel discussion
Janne Peljo, Chief Policy Advisor, Climate and Biodiversity, EK
Markku Kivistö, Head of Industry, Cleantech, Invest in, Business Finland
Moderator CEO Marko Kuokkanen, Technology Center Merinova
16:00 - 19:00
Workshops Energy Transition Valley
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
Organized by University of Vaasa
Jan Segerstam, Henri Karimäki, Kimmo Kauhaniemi
Join stakeholders and decision makers in evolving and sharing the vision of the Energy Transition Valley driving future energy system business models and solutions today. The Energy Transition Valley enables discovering sustainable competitive advantages together while accelerating business innovation investment returns through easy access to cost effective shared resources, all levels of the grid and world class energy innovation.
17:00 - 19:00
Lights-off experience
📍 Catacombs
Rebekah Rousi, Domenico de Clario
(14.08) Thursday - New Nordic
08:30 - 09:00
Breakfast
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
09:00 - 10:20
Improving productivity – in the public and private sectors: A productivity program and productivity strategy will be created for Finland/Nordic
Organizer: Wasa Innovation Center & partners
A productivity program and productivity strategy will be created for Finland/Nordic.
Director General of Statistics Finland Ville Vertanen: New facts.
Minister Sakari Puisto and “How to get it right in practice - panel”:
Chairman of the Board of Vaisala Ville Voipio,
President of Sitra, Atte Jääskeläinen,
Head of Department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy Mikko Spolander,
Expert of the Confederation of Finnish Industries Paavali Kukkonen,
Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand,
Union of Technology Industries, CEO Minna Helle,
University of Vaasa, Rector, Minna Martikainen,
Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce, CEO Paula Erkkilä,
VEHO, Vice-Chairman, Philip Aminoff,
Kreab, CEO, Mikael Jungner
10:20 - 10:45
WFF 2025 Award Ceremony
Wasa Future Festival 2025 Award Ceremony:
– Christoffer Häggblom: Entrepreneurial Award
– Wasa Innovation Center Technology Innovation Award
10:45 - 10:55
Minister of Labour Matias Marttinen: Technology and productivity will fix the economy
Minister of Labour Matias Marttinen (National Coalition Party) serves as the head of the Ministry of Labour and the Economy. The Minister of Labour handles matters concerning the Employment and Functioning Markets Department. Timetable TBC
11:00 - 11:15
India as our partner for future, Ambassador Hemant H. Kotalwar
Presentation from Hemant H. Kotalwar , Indian Ambassador to Finland [ www.indembhelsinki.gov.in/ambassador.php ]
11:15 - 11:30
Minister of Foreign Trade Ville Tavio – New markets around the world
11:30 - 11:50
What is the next government program? HardTalk Jussi Lähde and Antti Lindtman
PROGRAM IN FINNISH. What is the next government program? In a HardTalk discussion with Antti Lindtman, Chaorman of the Social Democratic Party of Finland. Interviewed by Jussi Lähde.
13:00 - 16:00
Seminar: New Nordic – the Nordic region’s renewed global relevance
Organizer: Kvarken Counsil and FINSVE
Language: Swedish and Finnish (simultaneous interpretation)
You are warmly welcome to join – the doors are open to everyone! If you wish to take part in the refreshments, please register by 7 August 2025: www.lyyti.in/wff-new-nordic
Moderator: Sarah Väre, Growth Manager, Kvarken Council
13:00 Intro – moderator
13:05 Welcome – What does cross-border cooperation mean for Nordic and European markets? Peter Ericson, Swedish Ambassador to Finland, Kjell Skoglund, CEO, Finland-Swedish Chamber of Commerce
13:15 From model to engine – how capital, expertise and collaboration strengthen the Nordic region’s global role. Eirik Winter, CEO and Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, BNP Paribas, Nordic Region
13:35 New Nordic – the Nordic region’s renewed relevance on the global stage – Mikko Savola, Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Defence Committee, Vice-President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), and Board Member of the Kvarken Council EGTC
13:55 Finland’s future transport infrastructure – not too late to change course – Theo Herold, PhD candidate in economics at Hanken and the Helsinki Graduate School of Economics, associate researcher at Ratio in Stockholm, and editor of the research section of Liberal Debatt
14:15 Coffee break and networking (15 min)
14:30 Nordic Potentials in the World
Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
14:45 Introduction: The role of infrastructure in Nordic cooperation
Joakim Strand, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering
15:05 The Öresund Bridge unexpectedly created a significant amount of new trade between Sweden and Denmark – Maria Persson, Associate Professor, Lund University
15:25 Panel: Hard Talk – Infrastructure and cooperation in the Nordic region requires action now
How can we strengthen Nordic cooperation and accelerate infrastructure investments? The panel will discuss concrete proposals and necessary initiatives – with a focus on acting quickly and in coordination at a time when we cannot afford to wait for decisions from Brussels.
The panel gathers voices from across the Nordic region. What is needed for the Nordics to lead – and what are the specific steps forward for collaboration?
Panelists:
Peter Ericson, Swedish Ambassador to Finland
Geir Waage, Chair of the Municipal Council, Rana Municipality
Mikko Savola, Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Defence Committee, Vice-President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), and Board Member of the Kvarken Council EGTC
Rickard Carstedt, Region Västerbotten, Regional Councillor for the Regional Development Board in Västerbotten and Chairman of the Kvarken Council EGTC
Maria Persson, Associate Professor, Lund University
15:55 Summary and Closing Remarks
18:00 Dinner with cultural entertainment at Bock's Corner
14:30 - 14:40
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen: NEW NORDIC potential
16:00 - 18:00
Ekonomists cocktail (Invitation only)
📍 Barn
Attendance restricted only for Suomen Ekonomit –members.
Tilaisuus Suomen Ekonomien jäsenille – Ilmoittauminen ennakkoon.
Järjestäjä: Vaasan ekonomit & Etelä-Pohjanmaan ekonomit & NIORD
16:00 Tilaisuus alkaa, tarjoilu
16:30 "Tuottavuus kuntoon – julkisella ja yksityisellä sektorilla." Valtiovarainministeriön kansantalousosaston, ylijohtaja, osastopäällikkö Mikko Spolander
17:00 Keskustelua, verkottumista
17:45 Tilaisuus päättyy
16:00 - 17:00
How do we make Finland a leading global investment hub?
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Organizer: University of Vaasa
Finland needs growth through investments, in which Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role. Readily available clean energy, natural resources, functioning infrastructure, and a secure investment environment—combined with high sustainability standards—provide a strong foundation for new investments. What must be done to convert these strengths into economic growth? Is it possible to develop projects at a more rapid pace without compromising sustainability? Could we unlock more funding from domestic sources while also attracting additional financing and investments from abroad? New, innovative materials and products may require regulatory support and creative financial solutions to establish new markets. Is the facilitation of new investments through proactive infrastructure development a viable path to growth? Despite the urgent need for investment, a holistic approach to investment policy is still in its early stages in Finland. How could businesses, investors, financiers, researchers, and policymakers collaborate more effectively to design better policies that strengthen Finland’s investment environment?
Organizer: Casper Herler, Partner at Borenius Attorneys & Minna Martikainen, Rector of University of Vaasa
Keynote: Minister of European Affair and Ownership Steering, Joakim Strand
Panelists: Casper Herler, Olli Sipilä, CEO – Gasgrid, Minna Martikainen ....
16:15 - 18:00
New productivity in teaching – Living Labs
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
PROGRAM IN FINNISH/SWEDISH. Genuine and valid interest in natural sciences through Living Lab work. Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz, teacher Jan Holmgård, teacher Erkko Saviaho Sonja Enestam business coach, Julia Skullbacka, teacher
18:00 - 21:00
Butterfly exhibition part of Vaasa Night of the Arts
📍 Catacombs
Butterfly: glo-cal effects of data, energy and industry
sites.uwasa.fi/butterfly
Presented by University of Vaasa, Deakin University, and the Wasa Innovation Center
18:00
WFF 2025 Grand Dinner (Buffet)
📍 Bock's
Book your place at the Wasa Future Festival buffét dinnerparty from the restaurant sales. Contact anne.suomalainen@bockscornerbrewery.com or call +358 50 377 7000
Price 46,00€ /person.
Dinner menu Wasa Future Festival (Buffet)
House bread and sea salt butter L
Garden green salad and strawberry, lemon vinaigrette G, L
Mixed seeds and dried fruit G, L
House potato salad G, L
Melon-tomato mozzarella salad G, L
Brewery crab cake and archipelago bread L
Warm smoked salmon and sea buckthorn cream G, L
***
Warm dishes:
Roasted whole Local beef tenderloin and cognac pepper sauce G, L
Seasonal fish according to availability, whitefish/rainbow salmon or char and fennel cream sauce G, L
Creamy potatoes gratinated with Västerbotten cheese G, L
Oven-roasted vegetables G, M
Chorizo meatballs and chili tomato cream sauce G, L
***
Cheese selection & fig jelly L,G
Carrot cake L (gluten free separately)
Wasa coffee and tea
(15.08) Friday - New Nordic / Culture
09:00 - 11:00
New Nordic Defence Industry (Invitation Only)
📍 Ball Room
Nordic Defence Industry. Chairman of the Board Panu Routila, Patria, Kristian Tornivaara, CEO of SAAB, Juha Laakso, CEO Airbus Defence, Danish Ambassador Jakob Nymann-Lindegren, former Chief Technology Officer of the Defence Forces Jyri Kosola, Rector of the Defence University Mika Kalliomaa, Representative of the Director General of the EU Commission for Defence and Space Jonas Cederlöf Dir.Gen. National Board of Trade Sweden Anders Ahnlid, member of the executive committee Kari Renko, Patria, Consul General of Finland in New York, Ambassador Jarmo Sareva riksdagsman Markus Kallifatides, Sverige and 40 other top experts will appear. INVITATION ONLY session.
09:00 - 09:30
Breakfast
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
09:30 - 10:15
Social and health services ecosystem
IN FINNISH/SWEDISH
Hoito hukassa? Sirpalainen järjestelmä ja sektorit ylittävän yhteistyön merkitys nyt ja tulevaisuudessa, Ilkka Haavisto, tutkimuspäällikkö EVA
SOTE-ekosysteemi; ihmisten luottamuksen palauttaminen ja miksi yhteistyö on tärkeää? Anne Salovaara-Kero, hallituksen puheenjohtaja, Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue
Yhteistyön tuloksia ja digitaaliset mahdollisuudet, Sofi Nyman, Digipäällikkö, Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue
Kommenttipuheenvuoro kansanedustaja Kim Berg
10:15 - 11:00
Youth violence and bullying: what can we do?
IN FINNISH / SWEDISH
Niina Mäntylä, professori/professor, Vaasan yliopisto
Jukka Kero, rikoskomisario/kriminalkommissarie, Pohjanmaan poliisilaitos/Polisinrättningen i Österbotten
Elina Viitasaari, erityisnuoriso-ohjaaja (katuväkivaltatyö)/specialungdomsarbetare (gatuvåld), Vaasan kaupungin nuorisopalvelut/Vasa stads ungdomsservice
11:00 - 11:30
Occupational Safety Training in Virtual Reality – Virtuario & BETH
Emerging technologies are transforming the way we learn: tools like virtual reality now allow us to share embodied and tacit knowledge in novel ways. But what can VR technology bring to occupational safety training? The University of Vaasa’s BETH project collaborates with Virtuario, an immersive virtual reality learning platform developed by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Virtuario is designed to strengthen organizational safety culture and encourage safer behaviors by providing interactive training experiences in an immersive virtual environment. Virtuario is ideal for employees, supervisors, trainers, and anyone interested in enhancing their occupational safety skills in an engaging way. After the presentation, you're warmly invited to try out Virtuario with VR glasses in the Right Wing of the Wasa Innovation Center!
11:00 – 11:30 The use of VR in training and introduction to Virtuario (Mindsquare)
11:30 – 15:30 Open testing of the Virtuario platform with VR glasses (Right wing)
11:30 - 15:30
Open testing of the Virtuario platform with VR glasses
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Right Wing
13:00 - 13:15
Award from Vaasa Entrepreneurs: A successful new entrepreneurial culture
📍 Wasa Innovation Center: Mind Square
Culture 3.0 also reaches out to corporate culture. Vaasan Yrittäjät (Vaasa Entrepreneurs) will award an entrepreneur who has created a new market through collaboration.
13:15 - 16:00
Vaasa & Umeå – Forerunners of Culture in Europe
Starting Culture 3.0 – Strategy Manager Suvi Aho, City of Vaasa, Culture in Umeå, Elin Hellrönn (programchef, kulturförvaltining), Historisk tillbakablick och kulturpolitiska programmet i Umeå. Branchen KBB och inkubation i Umeå Barbro Renkel (VD, eXPression) and professor Luigi Sacco, Italy.
- The session dives into existing impact actions, critical challenges, novel solutions for resourcing. Session includes e.g. incubators, culture directors, gaming industry from Umeå.