A Nordic Cheer for a Resilient New Year

The NEF Newsletter: Connecting New England, Finland, and Scandinavia through trade, education, and culture. Born from the enthusiasm of Finnish New Englanders, it charts our shared journey—past, present, and future. Join our growing community of 2,500+ subscribers and many more via email and blog. Share with anyone eager to build Nordic-New England bridges.

Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Henrik Totterman, Finnish Honorary Consul for Boston and New England. A professor, entrepreneur, and connector dedicated to fostering Finnish-American collaboration and advancing sustainable solutions. 

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Contents — January 2025

Check out collaboration opportunities for each priority area:

Economic and Trade Relationships

Education and Research

Cultural Exchange

Consular Public Diplomacy

Bridging Eras: Past, Present, and Future

Reflections and a Look Ahead from the Honorary Consul

As your Honorary Consul of Finland for Boston and New England, this past year has been about building connections, fostering collaboration, and advancing Finnish-American initiatives. A key moment early on was organizing the Finnish Presidential Elections, which allowed me to engage with the region’s Finnish community, gather insights, and launch this newsletter—The New England Finns (NEF). The NEF has grown to over 2,500 followers in under a year, with many more engaging via email and our homepage. Thanks for your interest and commitment to Nordic affairs in New England.

I’ve also begun executing a multiyear strategy focused on trade, education, culture, and consular affairs to build an attentive presence and a more permanent engagement. During the past year, I’ve connected with Finnish business leaders and academics visiting the region, as well as with Finns across industries, academia, and multigenerational communities living in the area. Through co-hosted events and media appearances, including Finnish YLE’s A-Studio, I’ve worked to amplify our shared story and opportunities.

The focus for the coming year is to broaden the perspective of Finnish engagement in New England beyond Boston, leveraging the unique opportunities across the entire region. A key priority will be enhancing media visibility, showcasing Finland within New England, highlighting the region's strengths to Finnish audiences, and fostering greater mutual awareness and collaboration.

Looking ahead, I prioritize creating impactful, scalable ways to connect and engage with you. I remain committed to strengthening the ties between Finland, the Nordics, and New England. Thank you for being part of this journey, and enjoy your NEF!

Happy New Year!

Dr. Henrik Totterman

Honorary Consul of Finland to the City of Boston and New England.

Trade Promotion

Collaboration Opportunity: In 2025, on the trade front, efforts will center on deepening relationships with key innovation hubs and networks, accelerators, and venture capital firms. I am also seeking collaborators and sponsors to create and distribute a comprehensive resource guide to support Nordic companies in Doing Business in New England, followed by hosting a roundtable event to help aspiring Nordic businesses explore opportunities and strategies for success in the region.

Throughout 2024, the Honorary Consulate of Finland in New England actively fostered connections and supported Finnish companies entering or expanding in the U.S. market. Pro bono advisory services were provided to many Finnish startups and businesses, offering initial strategic guidance on U.S. market entry, partnerships, and operational considerations. Efforts included facilitating connections with Boston's venture capital community, supporting fundraising initiatives, and mentoring Nordic SMEs and multinational public companies in various industries, from education technology to healthcare, high-tech, and defense innovation.

Key engagements included advising companies on legal and strategic market entry and expansion strategies, as well as business innovation and customer value generation, connecting them with relevant stakeholders, and encouraging Finnish businesses to promote themselves in front of top talent and sponsors at events like the MIT European Career Fair and NATO innovation pitching sessions. Collaborative efforts were extended to support initiatives such as Finland’s representation at Boston innovation events and planning events to showcase Finnish companies within the local ecosystem.

These activities highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen Finnish-American business collaboration and embed Finnish companies within the dynamic U.S. innovation and business landscape. We’ve only just begun—let’s seize this momentum and drive it forward.

Interview with A-Studio | YLE – Finnish Broadcasting Company | December 10, 2024

Reflecting on my participation in Finland’s A-Studio, the nation’s leading current affairs program, I was honored to provide insights into the implications of the incoming presidency for American businesses. During the live segment, we discussed the election's impact on the corporate sector, the surge in stock market performance, whether it signaled genuine growth or a potential bubble, and what lies ahead for American smaller and larger businesses as leadership transitions.

The dialogue highlighted the complex dynamics between political change and economic expectations, offering an opportunity to shed light on what businesses might anticipate in the coming months from a New England perspective. I’m grateful to A-Studio for the chance to engage in this critical discussion and contribute to understanding how U.S. politics shapes the global economy.

Education & Research Promotion

Collaboration Opportunity: In education and innovation, there will be a focus on mapping research opportunities and forging closer ties with universities and institutions across New England, Finland, and the Nordics more broadly. Let me know how I can help enhance collaboration opportunities between these regions. Let’s find ways to foster stronger academic partnerships between the Nordics and the New England region.

In 2024, the Honorary Consulate of Finland in New England facilitated connections, provided guidance, and supported collaborations across academic, business, and cultural domains. Engagements included discussions with Finnish and Nordic scholars, featuring notable figures, and incorporating local Finnish business leaders as guest lecturers and panelists at Hult, Harvard, and Hanken academic settings. Finnish students from institutions like Bentley University, Northeastern, Boston College, and Harvard Law received career, internship, networking advice, and support for housing and legal studies in the U.S.

Efforts were extended to national collaboration through initiatives like the Classroom Project, which links Finnish and U.S. high schools and exchanges between researchers on AI-driven architecture solutions and criminal justice reentry models. Educational initiatives were strengthened through events and workshops, including programs for Hanken and Aalto executive education and student capstones focused on AI commercialization.

Publications included co-authoring a business case on agile transformations at Kone Corporation and publishing ten New England Finns (NEF) newsletter issues, reaching over 2,500 subscribers. Events like the Hanken EMBA Boston module and the Hult Stockholm City Seminar promoted Finnish-American and Nordic perspectives on strategy and innovation, further highlighting Finland’s global impact on business and education. These activities reflect a year dedicated to bridging Finnish and U.S. networks through meaningful engagement and collaboration.

Exciting Alumni Get-Togethers in January! | AALTO | HANKEN 🎓🌍

Kickstart 2025 with two fantastic alumni events in Boston and New York!

📍 AALTO Boston Meet-Up Thursday, January 23, 2025

📍 HANKEN New York Meet-Up Friday, January 24, 2025

As the Honorary Consul of Finland and a former student of both institutions, I look forward to reconnecting with many of you. For details, please reach out to your respective university alumni teams. 🌟

Cultural Promotion

Collaboration Opportunity: Cultural initiatives will include collaborating with more Finnish and regional organizations across New England to support events that strengthen cross-cultural relationships. Let’s explore ways to further promote Finnish and Nordic culture in the region.

Throughout 2024, the Honorary Consulate of Finland in New England organized and participated in numerous events to celebrate Finnish and Nordic culture and foster connections between Finns and local communities. Highlights included sauna evenings, national holiday celebrations, and appreciation sails in Boston Harbor, which brought together members of the Finnish community and their regional counterparts. Events like the Women, Peace, and Security Panel at Hult International Business School showcased Finland’s global leadership in women-led security initiatives. At the same time, a speech at the Suomi-Koulu Christmas Party highlighted the values and responsibilities of serving as an Honorary Consul.

Efforts extended to facilitating collaborations between Finnish and U.S. organizations. For example, co-organizing events like the Circular Economy panel and other initiatives collaborating with Finlandia Foundation Boston, ensuring impactful programming speakers and bringing the community together.

Cultural engagement included attending key events such as the Harvard/MIT Finns Independence Day Cocktail Reception and summer concerts in Finland, further enriching transatlantic ties. Collaborations with organizations like the Scandinavian Cultural Centre and Finlandia Foundation Boston enhanced Finnish cultural promotion, including holiday markets, Suomi-Koulu celebrations, and regional Finnish markets in New Hampshire.

Ongoing efforts also focused on strengthening Finnish organizations' online presence and communication. Advisory support helped transition the Boston Finns website to Finlandia Foundation Boston’s platform, ensuring consistency and sustainability. Engaging social media posts, such as reflections on Finnish Independence Day and the symbolism of the Finnish flag, added to the cultural narrative and promoted Finnish identity. These initiatives underscored a commitment to celebrating Finnish heritage, fostering community ties, and enhancing Finland’s artistic presence in New England.

SAM-Magazine Interview | December 2024

I’m deeply grateful to Lena Grenat and Suomi-Amerikka Yhdistysten Liitto (SAM) for the opportunity to be featured in SAM Magazine alongside two of my esteemed honorary consul colleagues in the U.S. It was an honor to share insights about representing Finland in Boston and the New England region and to reflect on the vital role of fostering cultural exchange between Finland and the United States. SAM, with its 30 local chapters, plays a crucial role in strengthening ties between our two countries, and it’s inspiring to be part of this shared mission. Here’s to celebrating and building even stronger bridges in 2025 and beyond!

Key Insights from the SAM-Magazine interview in English:

"As Honorary Consul for New England, I have represented Finland across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont since January 2024. My role allows me to foster collaboration between Finland and the U.S. in business, education, culture, and innovation—areas I’ve been passionate about throughout my career as an entrepreneur, professor, and business developer. Building networks and supporting the Finnish community here has been rewarding and impactful.

The Finnish community in New England is diverse, including long-term residents, professionals, and students temporarily in the area. While approximately 50–100 members participate in cultural events, others participate occasionally, such as during Finnish elections. I’ve observed that Finnish schools and organizations are critical in preserving language and cultural traditions, offering programs for children and adults to maintain their connections to Finland.

With its academic and technological focus, Boston stands out as a hub for Finnish researchers, students, and professionals. It’s a city that mirrors Finland’s strengths in innovation, particularly in bio and health technology. At the same time, the broader New England region offers opportunities for sustainable development, renewable energy, and a high quality of life. These strengths align well with Finnish values and provide fertile ground for collaboration.

I actively work to connect Finnish organizations with local authorities, universities, and companies. For instance, I’ve supported cultural events, academic exchanges, and initiatives that link Finnish startups to resources within the U.S. New England’s globally renowned universities and vibrant innovation ecosystem offer ideal platforms for advancing joint research and business ventures.

For Finnish companies entering the U.S. market, I emphasize the importance of being competitive, clearly communicating their value proposition, and establishing a local presence. Success here requires persistence, creativity, and adaptability. I often remind businesses that Finnish identity alone may not resonate with U.S. buyers; you must articulate your strengths confidently and demonstrate the unique value you bring. In a highly competitive market like this, you need to stand out—and I’m here to help bridge that gap where I can."

Consular Services

Collaboration Opportunity: Consular activities will emphasize partnerships with regional consular colleagues and organizations, and events are being planned to continue engaging the Finnish community and local stakeholders. Reach out if you have ideas for collaboration. Regular updates through the New England Finns (NEF) monthly newsletter will continue to keep the community informed and engaged. Key events to kick off the year include Hanken alumni gatherings in New York City and Aalto alumni events in Wellesley, fostering collaboration and networking from the start.

In 2024, the Honorary Consulate of Finland for New England focused on strengthening Finnish-American relations through strategic initiatives, community engagement, and consular support. A three-year strategic plan outlining economic, educational, cultural, and community collaboration priorities was developed and shared with colleagues. Regular participation in bi-monthly consular meetings ensured alignment with broader initiatives and provided a platform to discuss updates, including election preparations and local activities.

Consular services remained a critical focus throughout the year. Support was provided to Finnish citizens and dual nationals, ensuring seamless access to necessary resources. Assistance extended to those in distress and family highlights, including guiding new parents on registering children in Finland. Note: while the Honorary Consulate in Boston provides guidance and resources, residence permits, citizenship applications, ID cards, and passports are exclusively handled by the Consulate General of Finland in New York. A key highlight was organizing the advance voting for the Finnish presidential elections, which engaged over 300 voters and provided valuable insights into the Finnish population in the region.

Community engagement was a cornerstone of 2024, with the consulate hosting and supporting events that celebrated Finnish culture and strengthened ties between Finland and New England. Receptions, leadership panels, and networking sessions brought together diverse audiences while planning efforts focused on welcoming high-profile Finnish delegations to the region, particularly in life sciences and innovation. These initiatives created meaningful opportunities for collaboration with local academic and business ecosystems.

Collaboration was vital to the year’s success, with strong partnerships with Finnish organizations, local government entities, and academic institutions and Finland’s visibility and influence in the region. Additionally, Nordic and international collaboration was prioritized through joint initiatives with other honorary consuls, further enriching cultural and diplomatic exchanges. Overall, 2024 was a year of impactful engagement and progress, showcasing Finland’s leadership in global collaboration and cultural exchange while ensuring robust support for Finnish citizens in New England.

Event Recap: Women, Peace, and Safety

On December 18th, Henna Capone, President of Finlandia Foundation Boston and I hosted the Women, Peace, and Safety event at Hult International Business School in Boston. Despite the winter rainstorm, the evening was warm and engaging, filled with meaningful networking and insightful discussions.

As one local attendee said in her commendation email: “Thank you for the fascinating program last night. Wow, I learned a lot. It's such a different system and such compelling speakers. The whole way home, I enjoyed playing a mental jigsaw puzzle -- what would work here, what's different, etc. That's surely a sign of a great program."

Special thanks to Dean Frederic Chartier for opening the event, Dr. Robert Neer for his excellent moderation, and panelists Anne Nurminen, Miia Iivari, and Suvi Aksela for sharing their expertise on Finland’s pioneering practices in global security. We ended the night with a cozy Mexican dinner nearby, making it a memorable gathering. Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to join us!   

THE NEF - NEW ENGLAND FINNS NEWSLETTER

NEXT ISSUE: #11 Sunday, February 2, 2025.  

Past Issues:

ISSUE #1: January 23, 2024, Setting Sails for a New Adventure - The NEF – The New England Finns monthly newsletter was launched on January 25, 2024, with well over 1200 subscribers on Linkedin a week later.

ISSUE #2: February 25, 2024, Sailing the Northeast Shores - 1776 on Linkedin.  

ISSUE #3: March 31, 2024, Nordic Sailors Sharing Joy, Experiences, and Knowledge- 1900 on Linkedin.  

ISSUE #4: April 28, 2024, Nordic Sailors and the New England Summer Season! - 2100 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #5: June 7, 2024, The Nordic Midsummer Magic - 2200 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #6: July 9, 2024, The Legendary Nordic Vacation - 2300 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #7: August 31, 2024, The Nordic Night of the Ancient Fires - 2400 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #8: September 29, 2024, Nordic Values At Work - 2450 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #9: November 3, 2024, Embracing the Northeastern Winds - - 2500 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #10: December 8, 2024, Shining Bright under the Northern Lights - 2542 on Linkedin.