Natural resources an opportunity for Finland

A new Natural Resource Strategy for Finland emphasises that natural resources have to be used intelligently. Innovativeness, together with sustainable and responsible operations, is essential to future success. The strategy was published in March 2009.

Natural resources can be used to spread well-being and to create sustainable business operations that will also safeguard the natural environment and its diversity. New models are needed for business, policy-making and everyday socio-economic behaviour.

Finland’s economy relies very heavily on obtaining added value from natural resources. High levels of know-how are a major national asset. The challenge is to enhance this know-how to meet future requirements. Finland can be an attractive destination for investment that aims to use natural resources sustainably and efficiently.

A bioeconomy for the new generation can provide a wide range of business opportunities. It can provide innovative ways to convert different kinds of biomass into various fibres and chemical compounds, and can exploit biological processes in a new way. Biomass production can be increased sustainably, providing biofuels that can then be used to generate energy and reducing the need for imported fossil fuels. By taking initiatives, Finland can highlight the need for a global natural resource policy and shared responsibility.

The Natural Resource Strategy was managed by Sitra (the Finnish Innovation Fund) and compiled by an extensive group of experts representing politics, administration, business, research, various organisations and the media.