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Unveiling Finland’s industrial scene at Alihankinta Subcontracting Fair

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Finland, a global leader in innovation and technological knowledge (WIPO 2022), recently hosted one of its most important industrial events of the year – the Alihankinta Subcontracting Fair. This three-day fair showcased the leading electronics, metal, plastics, and rubber industrial players, along with industrial ICT solutions, design, and consulting services. As part of LAB’s RDI activities, we attended the fair to find potential collaboration with Finnish industry players for the PROTOR research-to-business project (LAB 2023). Link to PROTOR website. (Link 1)  

[Alt text: people walking towards a huge fair hall.]
Image 1. Outside view of the fair center with many people entering the fair. (Image: Sofia Ramos) 

Traditional meets innovation

Despite the Finnish economy being strongly driven by its service sector, the industrial sector is still an extremely important part of its economy (World Bank 2023). The Alihankinta Subcontracting Fair is not just an ordinary trade show but a crucial event in the Finnish industry where industry leaders showcase the latest technological innovations. Link to the Alihankinta website. (Link 2)

One of the recurring themes at Alihankinta was sustainable innovation. Although many of the companies present are in traditional sectors, such as manufacturing metal, plastics, and rubber products, Finnish companies are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for global challenges. From AI-driven automation to producing sustainable materials, Finnish industry leaders continue to pursue more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Upcoming technologies

The fair offered a sneak peek into upcoming technologies that will revolutionize various industries. 3D printing, for example, is making waves in manufacturing, enabling rapid prototyping and customized production. Integrating IoT (Internet of Things) into industrial processes is another trend that promises greater efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Also, a recurring theme at the fair was automated production, highlighted by many examples of applications of industrial robots.

[Alt text: various diverse objects, mainly made of plastic, on a table.]
Image 2. A captivating display of diverse 3D-printed products showcasing various colors and materials on the table. (Image: Eero Scherman)

Energy is everything

Finland is also making strides in sustainable energy solutions. At Alihankinta, companies showcased their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, are becoming integral to the Finnish industrial landscape. The transition to clean energy not only benefits the environment but also positions Finland as a leader in sustainable practices.

Electric motors are the driving force behind the shift towards greener transportation. Finnish companies are investing heavily in hybrid and fully electric-powered technology, aiming to make electric vehicles more efficient and accessible. This aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions and promises new and exciting opportunities for growth in the Finnish industrial sector.

The future

So, where is Finland heading in terms of its strongest industries? The answer lies in a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. Sectors like metal, electronics, plastics, and rubber are embracing smart manufacturing and automation, ensuring precision and efficiency. Finland’s strong tradition of engineering excellence continues to drive these industries forward. Expect to see more sustainable materials and processes emerge as Finland leads the charge towards a greener future.

[Alt text: people walking in an exhibition hall.]
Image 3. View from the inside of the fair displaying people visiting exhibition booths. (Image: Sofia Ramos) 

In conclusion, the Subcontracting Fair in Finland is a small window into the future. With a focus on innovation, upcoming technologies, sustainable energy, and electrified industries, Finland is poised to continue its journey as an innovative and sustainable industrial powerhouse.

Authors

Sofia Ramos works at LAB University of Applied Sciences as an RDI Specialist, providing expertise in market research and business development for the PROTOR research-to-business project.

Eero Scherman, Senior Lecturer at LAB University of Applied Sciences, specializes in mechanical engineering for the PROTOR research-to-business project.

References

LAB. 2023. PROTOR. Protect electric motors from bearing currents. Project. Cited 16 Oct 2023. Available at https://lab.fi/en/project/protor  

WIPO. 2022. FINLAND Global Innovation Index 2022. World Intellectual Property Organization. Cited 16 Oct 2023. Available at https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_2000_2022/fi.pdf

World Bank. 2023. Finland: Share of economic sectors in the gross domestic product (GDP) from 2011 to 2021. Statista. Cited 5 Oct 2023. Available at  https://www.statista.com/statistics/327513/share-of-economic-sectors-in-the-gdp-in-finland/

Links

Link 1. LAB. 2023. PROTOR. Protect electric motors from bearing currents. Project. Cited 16 Oct 2023. Available at https://lab.fi/en/project/protor  

Link 2. Alihankinta 2023. Alihankinta Subcontracting Trade Fair. Website. Cited 16 Oct 2023. Available at https://www.alihankinta.fi/en/

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