Shining Bright under the Northern Lights
Welcome to the November-December issue of this monthly newsletter—For those who are new here, my name is Henrik Totterman; I am the Finnish Honorary Consul for the City of Boston and the States of New England (MA, ME, NH, VT, RI).
Here is a summary of collected insights in this newsletter:
Enjoy your NEF!
>>>> Upcoming Event: Wednesday, December 18 (!!)
You’re warmly invited to a panel discussion on Women, Peace, and Security at Hult International Business School in Cambridge on Wednesday, December 18.
Panelists:
Organizers:
The discussion will highlight Finland’s leadership in women-led security initiatives, voluntary national defense, and the global impact of the United Nations Women, Peace, and Security framework.
Date: Wednesday, December 18, 5:30-7:30 pm
Location: Hult International Business School, Cambridge, MA
We look forward to an inspiring conversation. Hope to see you there!
Economic and Trade Relationships
U.S. Post-Election Strategic Insights for Nordic Companies
Finland's economy expanded by 0.3% in the third quarter of 2024, aligning with earlier projections and indicating a path toward recovery expected to accelerate in the coming year. U.S. as the largest tradepartner plays a critical role in navigating back towards a growth parth. The evolving U.S. market presents both opportunities and challenges for Finnish and Scandinavian businesses, especially with potential policy shifts under the incoming administration. Companies must prioritize adaptability, strategic partnerships, and scenario planning to remain resilient. Emphasizing Nordic values—like sustainability and innovation—while tailoring offerings to diverse U.S. market conditions will be key to success. Strengthening digital channels, investing in local talent, and preparing for varied regulatory landscapes can help businesses thrive in this dynamic environment. With flexibility and foresight, Nordic companies can build a lasting presence in the U.S. market. Check out my recent article on this topic:
Slush Week in Helsinki: In Reflection
Each November, Helsinki becomes the epicenter of global innovation as Slush brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders. This year’s event welcomed 13,000 attendees, including 5,500 founders and 3,300 investors, all braving the cold to transform challenges into opportunities.
I was thinking of all Finnish entrepreneurs and business professionals when stumbling into Finland’s New York Consul General, Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, at the Academic Bookstore in downtown Helsinki. He is a role model for anyone seeking exceptional international networking skills. Sareva’s ability to forge impactful connections is a lesson in diplomacy and business.
Vaisala - World’s Best Companies in Sustainable Growth 2025
It’s impressive to see the Finnish company #Vaisala in the Boston area since 1981, expanding its lab and office space in the New England region while achieving significant international recognition.
Fun fact: Did you know Vaisala’s first client was the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1936?
?? We proudly share that Vaisala has been recognized in TIME Magazine's "World’s Best Companies in Sustainable Growth 2025" study! ??
In partnership with Statista, this prestigious study highlights the top performers in sustainable growth, assessing revenue growth, financial stability, and environmental impact. This recognition underscores our commitment to growth and climate action. ??
"For us, caring for the climate and driving sustainable growth go hand in hand, and it is a true honor to be recognized by TIME for precisely this combination," says our President and CEO, Kai ?ist?m?.
Oura - Revolutionizing Health Tech with $5B Valuation, Pentagon Deal, and Strategic Partnerships
Oura, the Finnish maker of health-tracking bright rings, has secured a $75 million investment from glucose monitoring company Dexcom, elevating its valuation to over $5 billion. This strategic partnership aims to integrate Dexcom's glucose biosensors with Oura's wearable technology. The collaboration will provide users with comprehensive insights into their metabolic health by combining glucose data with metrics such as sleep, activity, and stress levels. The partnership is expected to launch in the first half of 2025, enhancing personalized health monitoring for users.
In October 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded Oura a $96 million contract to supply its third-generation bright rings and associated data analytics services to military personnel. This initiative aims to enhance health monitoring and wellness tracking within the armed forces, building upon previous collaborations where Oura's technology was utilized to study fatigue among sailors and Marines.
Education and Research
Finnish Business School Alumni Reunions in the Northeast
Reach out to your alumni organization for more information:
Hanken School of Economics Alumni Meet-Up in New York City, Friday, January 24, 2025, featuring a keynote by alumnus Stefan Larsson, CEO, PVH Corp., Rektor Ingmar Bj?rkman, and Ambassador Nicola Clase, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations.
领英推荐
Aalto University School of Business
The Alumni Meet-Up will be held in Boston on Thursday, January 23, 2025, featuring a keynote address by alumnus Tuomo Vuolteenaho of Arrowstreet Capital and Dean Timo Korkeam?ki.
Impactful and Practical Hanken EMBA Thesis Work
I was pleased to host Paula Vastela's EMBA cohort last summer in Boston. During the week, we had the chance to discuss her thesis, which explores the value drivers of companies transitioning to sustainable practices. Using the Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) framework, the research identifies over 200 customer motivations, distilled into 25 desired outcomes through interviews and surveys. The study highlights four key value drivers—value chain solutions, well-being, innovation, and learning and skills—and introduces tools like the Circular Economy Business Model Canvas to align these drivers with strategic goals. By integrating sustainability, strategy, and innovation, the research aims to refine how CE value is communicated and delivered, fostering more impactful business decisions and sustainable growth.
Cultural Exchange and Public Diplomacy
2025 NHL Four Nations hockey tournament. CANADA VS FINLAND February 17, 2025 @ 1:00 PM ET | TD Garden | Boston, MA
Ensure you secure access to the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off? Canada vs. Finland game!
Indepencence Day Celebrations & Nutcracker
Thank you to Kalle Heikkinen for hosting the Harvard/MIT Finns gathering to celebrate Finland’s 107th Independence Day. The evening was filled with unforgettable moments, from the warm reception at the Harvard Faculty Club to the magical Nutcracker performance.
A special highlight was meeting the Finnish long-time Boston Ballet Director, Mikko Nissinen, backstage—a truly inspiring moment that added a personal touch to an already extraordinary celebration. Kiitos for creating such a memorable experience! ?????
Suomi-Koulu Christmas Party
Thanksgiving: From a Day to Daily Appreciation
Thanksgiving is a cherished American tradition, a time to come together with loved ones, share a meal, and reflect on gratitude for the blessings in our lives. This year, as we paused to appreciate what we have, I thought not only of the joys and connections that enrich our days but also of the moments that remind us of life’s fragility.
Thanksgiving is a time to honor the relationships that shape us, the experiences that guide us, and the memories of those who are no longer with us but whose impact remains deeply felt. This season serves as a reminder to cherish the present, honor the past, and move forward with gratitude and purpose. Let us close these reflections as we interact and approach next year's Thanksgiving celebrations. ??
Concluding Remarks
Happy Holidays and New Year! See you in the year 2025!
I hope you find the 10th issue of this newsletter insightful. Do you have any feedback or suggestions for content considering the above broad sections? The publishing date for my following newsletter is Sunday, January 5th.
All the best,
HENRIK TOTTERMAN, D.Sc.
Honorary Consul of Finland to the City of Boston and the States of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The NEF—This newsletter is designed to build bridges between New England, Finland, and Scandinavia. It's the chart for our shared past, present, and future adventures. I created this newsletter based on popular demand among Finnish New Englanders, and I want to engage with you in trade, education, and cultural matters. This fourth edition marks a significant milestone. We are now a community of over 2500+ subscribers on Linkedin, with many more subscriptions to my email send-out and those following the blog. Share the link to this newsletter with anyone interested in building bridges between the Nordics and New England.
Planning
Selected Dates (for planning purposes):
Full Stack Software Engineer
3 个月Interesting event
Visionary for Finland ? Nomad ? Unconventional Scout
3 个月Great write up ??