India – March 21, 2025 – Societal stability, high levels of equality, and, among other things, political and civil freedom are frequently highlighted as the key factors contributing to Finland’s status as the world’s happiest country, as reflected in the World Happiness Report. These are the building blocks of trust and mutual respect that permeate Finnish society, enabling innovative international cooperation and providing an excellent launchpad for business and professional growth for global talent.
For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world by the United Nations World Happiness Report. On this International Day of Happiness, Finland reaffirms its commitment to fostering international business and talent cooperation, inviting professionals and organizations worldwide to collaborate, innovate, and thrive in an environment that prioritizes well-being, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
In Finnish society, there are many factors that underscore succeeding together: an education system that emphasizes teamwork and collective problem-solving, flat hierarchies in organizations and society that encourage participation, a culture that values consensus and cooperation over individual competition, and social safety nets that provide security, allowing for risk-taking. This creates an environment where it is safe to engage in innovation and seize the opportunities life offers.
Finland also actively encourages international professionals to look for career opportunities in a country that values work-life balance, professional growth, and inclusivity. Its open corporate culture, flexible working conditions, and strong innovation ecosystem make it an ideal destination for specialists, particularly in high-growth industries such as ICT, clean energy, AI, healthcare, and digitalization.
The strong collaboration between the public and private sectors forms the backbone of Finland’s innovation economy. Industries, research institutes, universities, and the government together have a unique ability to deliver disruptive technologies and innovative design. Finland consistently ranks among the world’s leading countries in education, innovation, digitalization, sustainability, and good governance, making it one of the world’s hotspots for R&D. To give it a further boost, Finland aims to increase research and development expenditure to 4% of GDP by 2030.
Finland boasts a thriving startup scene with an estimated number of 3 800 startups. The Finnish startup ecosystem has always been pooling resources, lending a hand, and helping one another. When one business is successful, it benefits the whole network – a rising tide raises all boats. Finland’s startup ecosystem, has given birth to more than 10 unicorns, many of which stem from academia. This collaborative mindset extends to Finland’s workforce, attracting international professionals who thrive in its innovation-driven culture.
An example of open-minded cooperation in building R&D is the Leading Companies Program. Business Finland challenges global companies to undertake ambitious research efforts while encouraging companies of different sizes and other players to work together, sharing knowledge and resources, aiming to achieve breakthroughs that solve major global challenges – and do business. So far, the scheme has supported 400 companies in Finland and 400 research projects by universities and other research institutes. The Leading Companies Program is open to international companies that have a subsidiary in Finland.
Finland invites you to innovate in the state of happiness
Collaboration with Finns is defined by sisu – a uniquely Finnish concept of integrity-driven determination and courage under pressure. It means acting with deep resolve while upholding a strong commitment to mutual respect among collaborators. Promises are kept, and things are done well even when no one is watching.
This spirit of collaboration extends beyond business and into Finland’s inclusive work culture. Finland is actively seeking skilled international professionals to develop their careers in the country, offering opportunities across various industries with strong government-backed support for relocation and integration.
Johanna Jäkälä, Executive Director, Finland Promotion Services from Business Finland says: “Collaboration, along with sisu, is really in the DNA of Finland. No one creates change alone, and that is why we are committed to bringing people and businesses together to team up, make unexpected connections, innovate together, and create an impact.”
