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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:
- Upcoming December 18 event: Women, Peace, and Security
- Trade: U.S. Post Election Strategies
- Trade: Helsinki Slush-Week Reflection
- Trade: Global Recognition: Sustainable Vaisala and Oura Defence Health Revolution
- Education: Circular Economy Value Drivers
- Education: Video Reflection from Recent General Consul Boston Event
- Culture: NHL Four Nations: CAN-FIN Culture: Nutcracker & Independence Day
- Culture: Suomi-Koulu Holiday Party
- Culture: Thanksgiving in reflection
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:
- Anne Nurminen, Executive Director, Lotta Svärd Foundation
- Miia Iivari, Finnish National Defence Training Association (MPK)
- Suvi Aksela, Women's National Defence Organization (Naisten Valmiusliitto)
- Dr. Robert Neer, Professor, Hult International Business School
Organizers:
- Dr. Henrik Totterman, Professor, Hult International Business School and Honorary Consul of Finland, Boston & New England
- Henna Capone, President Finlandia Foundation Boston
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
Check out my full article on Linkedin: CLICK HERE.
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. The U.S., as the largest trade partner, plays a critical role in navigating back towards a growth path. The evolving U.S. market presents opportunities and challenges for Finnish and Scandinavian businesses, especially with potential policy shifts under the incoming administration. To remain resilient, companies must prioritize adaptability, strategic partnerships, and scenario planning. 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.
Below is a generic-level SWOT analysis that targets Nordic companies more broadly; for company specifics, please refer to the appendices.
Generic Nordic company SWOT Comparison: Current U.S. Administration vs. Incoming U.S. Administration
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 with office 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 Öistämö.
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 alum 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 Björkman, and Ambassador Nicola Clase, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations.
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 Korkeamäki.
Impactful and Practical Hanken EMBA Thesis Work
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!
Independence 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.
Finnish School of New England Holiday Party
There are tasks in life, and then there are significant assignments. I had the honor of visiting the Finnish School of New England in my consular role to address the students and parents at their seasonal celebration. But let’s be honest—Santa Claus was up next, and we all know who stole the show! 🎅🎄
I shared three messages with the kids:
1. Celebrate the gift of learning the Finnish language and culture, thanks to Suomi-koulu’s fantastic team.
2. Remember, we are all ambassadors of Finland, building friendships and sharing our culture wherever we go.
3. Let’s embrace kindness—not just now, but all year. Small acts make a big difference.
Thank you to the Finnish School for keeping our heritage alive and to Santa for letting me warm up the crowd. Wishing everyone a season of kindness, connection, and a little Finnish magic! 🇫🇮✨
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.
Selected Dates (for planning purposes):
- January: New Year's Day (Uudenvuodenpäivä): January 1.
- February: Shrove Tuesday (Laskiainen): February 13 (2024), Kalevala Day (Kalevala päivä): February 28th.
- March: Nordic Day (Nordens dag): March 23, Easter (Pääsiäinen) Mar 31 (2024).
- April-May: May Day (Vappu): April 30/May 1.
- June: Runon ja suven päivä (Day of Poetry and Summer): June 6, Helsinki Day (Helsingin päivä): June 12, Midsummer (Juhannus): weekend of June 24.
- July: Sleepyhead Day (Unikeonpäivä): July 27.
- August-September-October: Aleksis Kivi Day: October 10.
- November: All Saints' Day (Pyhäinpäivä): first Sat of November, Finnish Swedish Heritage Day (Ruotsalaisuuden päivä): November 6.
- December: Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä): December 6, Jean Sibelius Day: December 8, Lucia Day: December 13, Christmas (Joulu): December 24.