In today’s globalised world, all countries and regions are increasingly interlinked. Our shared challenge is to promote globalisation with a social dimension that sustains human values. The answer to a fairer globalisation lies in meeting the demands of people and focusing on their needs and well-being.
The current crisis on the financial markets is a striking example of global interdependence. International economic developments have highlighted the need to work together and share experiences to address the challenges we are facing. This situation has also underlined the importance of having strong structures and resources to help overcome difficult times.
In Finland, we have long believed in the importance of concerted initiatives, such as our national technology programmes, as a means of bringing organisations and actors together to generate and encourage new knowledge and insights. We believe that more innovation will be the key to our future success.
It is vital that we in Finland do everything we can to support the creativity and joy of learning. Education and training not only boost the capacity for self-determination, but also help people to use their expertise and their skills in the best possible way to benefit themselves, their families, and society as a whole. Investing in education is of crucial importance since people are ultimately the source of innovation.
I hope that some of the enthusiasm of the people behind the innovations profiled in HighTech Finland 2009 will come through to you and inspire you to find out more about what we are doing to create a better and more sustainable future for all of us.
Tarja Halonen
President of the Republic of Finland
Innovation in Finland
More than just high-tech