At last week’s Arctic Spirit Conference in Rovaniemi, the Norwegian Barents Secretariat hosted a dynamic session titled “Future-Proofing the North: Agile Innovation in the Northern Nordics.” In collaboration with Norwegian policymakers and Finnish entrepreneurs, the discussion zeroed in on how Northern Norway can learn from Finland’s success in building a strong and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem.

While Arctic development debates often center on megaprojects—offshore wind, defense infrastructure, transport—these are long-term undertakings, sometimes decades in the making. Meanwhile, communities across the region face more immediate challenges: population decline, centralization, and economic stagnation.

 

Instead of waiting on large-scale projects, the session proposed an alternative: nurturing agile, innovation-driven ecosystems. Finland has done just that—and with remarkable results. The phrase “Look to Finland” is increasingly echoed in Norway, as leaders seek practical strategies for a more resilient and vibrant North.

The conversation was packed with actionable insights, including:

  • Start fostering innovation early – even in primary education.

  • Create spaces where education and business can meaningfully collaborate.

  • Strengthen cooperation between public institutions and private enterprises.

  • Treat regional branding as seriously as commercial marketing – politicians should think like entrepreneurs.

  • Build regions people want to live and work in, not just visit.

  • Encourage mutual understanding between policymakers and entrepreneurs.

“We need to act locally while learning globally,” emphasized session convener Ronni Fawaz-Pinstrup, Business Advisor at the Norwegian Barents Secretariat.

The panel featured a dynamic mix of experts from both sides of the border, including:

  • Kustaa Valtonen (Finest Bay Area)

  • Toni Pienonen (Crazy Town)

  • Erica Roiko (Founder and CEO, Kipinä Event Oy)

  • Kristina Torbergsen (County Mayor, Troms)

  • Hans Jacob Bønå (County Mayor, Finnmark)

  • Svein Eggesvik (County Council Leader, Nordland)

Moderated by Dr. Kenneth Stålsett, CEO of the Norwegian Barents Secretariat, the session served as both a learning opportunity and a call to action: it's time to future-proof the North—starting now.