Finnish and American companies explore new co-operation possibilities in defense and security
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Finnish and American companies explore new co-operation possibilities in defense and security
A full day seminar at the Embassy of Finland in Washington DC discussed market outlooks, cyber security, the Finnish F-18 program, arctic strategy, best practices and opportunities for future collaboration. Ambassador of Finland, Ms. Ritva Koukku-Ronde welcomed the event and its efforts to nurture the strong relationship between the United States and Finland. Networking breaks were filled with lively discussion and offered excellent opportunities to find new business contacts.
The first U.S.-Finland Defense and Security Industry Conference was organized in Washington D.C. November 9th in co-operation between the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Association of Finnish Defense and Aerospace Industries (AFDA), the American Chamber of Commerce in Finland (AmCham) and the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes). High level government officials and business leaders from both countries gave their insight to defense and security markets.
Decreasing defense budgets and globalization of commerce change the market also in defense and security. Maintaining an industrial base that’s innovative, lean, efficient and profitable will require strategic changes from both private and public actors. “We have to make tough choices” stated Dr. Nancy Spruill, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense. Also, counterfeit products are on rise, unfortunately also in defense supply chains as Mr. Richard Halverson, Department of Homeland Security, showed in his presentation.
As cyber security strategies are developed by both nations, the cyber session discussed the solutions. Carl Williamson, Executive Director of Cyber Strategy at Northrop Grumman discussed the importance of working together in order to keep ahead of hackers operating in cyber time. Mr. Ira Winkler, Chief Security Strategist at Codenomicon brought the audience back to basics: “There’s really no magic to it, they simply know one more vulnerability than you do”, he argued. Mr. Michael Waksman, CEO of Jetico, presented Finnish cyber solutions. “I love America. But I trust the Finns” Mr. Waksman, a native New Yorker, stated the value of Finnish solutions.
Bryan Stephens, President of Kalmar Rough Terrain Center, a daughter company of Cargotec, described how a pro-active approach to customer needs made value in the humanitarian relief operations in Haiti. “Success leaves clues” Mr. Stephens said, guiding the audience through success factors behind the company.
Boeing, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman all expressed their interest in long-term partnerships and working with SME’s that can quickly provide technological capabilities. 25 Finnish companies showcased their solutions.
Further information:
Ms. Tuija Karanko, AFDA, tel. +358 40 5598 986
Ms. Alexandra Pasternak-Jackson, AmCham Finland, tel. + 358 45 1366 303
Ms. Suvi Sundquist, Tekes, tel. +358 50 5577 675