Her Excellency Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, ambassador of Finland. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed an updated memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland to strengthen cooperation on clean technologies, advanced mobility, defense, and other strategically significant industries.

The agreement builds on an MOU established in 2020 to promote collaboration between Michigan and Finland on clean technology growth and development. 

“Michigan and Finland share a long history of innovation, collaboration, and the spirit of sisu,” Whitmer said in prepared remarks. “By expanding our partnership, we will continue to bring together our world-class researchers, businesses, and industry leaders to create new technology, strengthen supply chains, and create good-paying jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. This agreement will keep Michigan in the lead on advanced manufacturing, mobility, and energy while deepening our ties with a key ally.” 

The renewed agreement was signed during a visit from the Ambassador of Finland to the United States, Her Excellency Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, and expands cooperation across several shared sectors including mobility innovation, battery technology and energy storage, sustainable forest bioeconomy and maritime and defense-related industrial collaboration.

The MOU also recognizes the importance of transatlantic cooperation to address climate change while strengthening economic resilience and securing critical supply chains. 

“Finland greatly values its close partnership with Michigan, whose dynamic innovation ecosystem and strong industrial base make it an ideal partner. We are proud to see the concrete results achieved so far, including new business and research projects as well as exchanges of professionals, and we are excited to deepen our cooperation in new domains. Michigan has deep Nordic roots and a significant Finnish American community. Finnish companies such as Nokia (mobile networks), Harvia (sauna stoves), Kone (escalators and elevators), Ponsse (harvesters), and Huhtamaki (packaging) create jobs in local communities and further strengthen the ties between Finland and Michigan. Together, we are building resilient, sustainable, and competitive economies in Finland and Michigan,” said Ambassador Mikkola. 

Added Matt McCauley, senior vice president of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation: “Finland remains a strong partner for Michigan as we continue building the industries that will power our future economies. This agreement creates more opportunities for companies, researchers, and industry partners in both Michigan and Finland to work together in key sectors, helping strengthen our regional economies and positioning Michigan as a global hub for advanced industry.”