Breaking barriers to global growth: Insights from Business Finland collaboration
Author: Mona Åkerholm
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Expanding internationally takes more than funding. Business Finland, Finland’s innovation and trade promotion agency, helps Finnish companies access networks and insights that accelerate global growth. While funding plays a role, the real advantage lies in connections and strategic support that make international expansion achievable.
Business Finland’s mission is to build bridges, open markets, and create meaningful connections. Ultimately, success depends on each company’s ability to seize opportunities and form strong partnerships. My own experience illustrates this well: my first interactions with Business Finland were brief and led to little follow-up.
Today, after participating in events, delegations, and customer meetings, I have gained a much deeper understanding of how Finnish businesses operate globally, and how Finland positions itself internationally. This insight is especially valuable for small and mid-sized companies without large marketing organizations.
Elomatic: Trusted engineering partner driving global growth
Elomatic builds its success on value-based selling, strong marketing, and delivering projects that meet customer expectations. In Finland and in niche sectors, Elomatic enjoys a strong brand and active customer demand. Outside Finland, however, Elomatic is less known, and finding the right customers – and selling high-value services – often requires something extra.
Elomatic specializes in engineering solutions for industries such as pharmaceuticals, turning innovations into real factories and production facilities. When technology reaches a feasible level and the business case is clear, Elomatic’s talented engineers and consultants turn plans into reality, regardless of funding sources.
Participating in exhibitions together with Business Finland
Organizing a stand at a major exhibition can be time-consuming and resource intensive. One practical alternative I’ve found is joining a shared stand coordinated by Business Finland. While visibility may be slightly lower compared to having your own booth, the benefits often outweigh the trade-offs: fewer arrangements on your side, expert support from Business Finland, help with logistics and deadlines, and, perhaps most importantly, the chance to connect with other Finnish companies showcasing their expertise.
For example, Elomatic recently participated in the ReBuild Ukraine event in Poland alongside Business Finland and several Finnish companies. The collaboration proved to be a great success.
Events and forums organized by Business Finland provide opportunities to connect with industry peers and gain practical insights into international growth.
Finnish healthcare trade mission at the Finnish Embassy in Delhi
Networking at Business Finland events
Events and forums organized by Business Finland provide opportunities to connect with industry peers and gain practical insights into international growth. In August 2025, I attended the Team Finland event at the Pasila Exhibition Center for the first time and was impressed to see even Finland’s President Alexander Stubb among the participants. The program emphasized the importance of international growth for Finnish companies as a driver of Finland’s economy.
I also met country representatives with whom I continue to collaborate. These discussions have given me a clearer understanding of the operating environment in my target markets. As President Stubb noted: “To be agile and adapt to the current world order are essential for managing business in these times.”
The value of joining international delegations
Recently, I joined two international delegations organized by Business Finland: one accompanying President Stubb to Kenya and Tanzania, and another, the first Healthcare Trade Mission, to India. Both trips offered meetings with potential customers, research institutions, and key organizations, along with practical insights into international business practices.
According to Gitta Perez, Director for Middle East & India at Business Finland, delegations are vital for Finland’s export success. When globally recognized companies participate, they boost Finland’s visibility and credibility, opening doors for smaller firms. As Perez notes: “Success stories create success stories – leading companies pave the way for others to grow and internationalize.”
When globally recognized companies participate, they boost Finland’s visibility and credibility, opening doors for smaller firms.
Business Delegation accompanying President Alexander Stubb in Kenya and Tanzania
Turning collaboration into growth
At Business Finland’s events, forums, I’ve met numerous companies in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, all sharing the same ambition: to grow and build sustainable businesses. Also, when I’ve needed market information for a new region, Business Finland has provided reliable insights.
Perez cites Elomatic as an example – a long-standing pioneer in Finnish exports that actively pursues opportunities in emerging markets. Such efforts create momentum beyond one company’s success: when experienced firms join delegations, they strengthen Finland’s reputation and open doors for others globally.
Five benefits of partnering with innovation and trade promotion organizations
1: Support for competitiveness and growth
These organizations help companies enter new markets, support R&D initiatives, and, in some cases, provide funding. They also offer access to market insights for new regions through local expertise.
2: Innovation and technology
Innovation agencies foster collaboration by connecting companies with startups developing advanced technologies. Such partnerships often lead to stronger solutions than working alone.
3: Networks and partnerships
Events and forums organized by these organizations enable companies to meet peers across sectors, from small businesses to major players. These interactions spark new ideas and open doors to future opportunities. They also facilitate collaborations that might not happen otherwise – especially valuable when time for networking is limited.
4: Funding and investor access
Funding is critical for innovation and internationalization. Many organizations offer R&D project funding, consortium opportunities, and development programs. They also provide access to international investor networks for companies seeking strategic investments.
5: Collaboration with research institutions
Universities and research organizations actively seek business partners for joint projects. Through these networks, finding the right collaborators becomes easier, helping turn innovations into
Mona Åkerholm
M.sc., eMBA, IPMA B, HHJ
Mona oversees the Pharma business unit at Elomatic, leading a team of 200 professionals with vast expertise in engineering, project management, and consulting for the pharmaceutical industry. Mona has worked in the industry for 25 years, primarily focusing on the execution of small and large-scale investments.
mona.akerholm@elomatic.com
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