A Nordic Collaboration on Safety, Security and Preparedness
At the end of October, representatives from Team Nordic Arctic, ProTromsø, Business Oulu, Umeå kommun and the City of Oulu gathered in Oulu Finland, for a three-day delegation focusing on safety, security and preparedness in the northern regions.
Kristian
- 6. november 2025
The visit provided valuable insights into how Finnish authorities, research institutions and businesses are working to strengthen resilience across borders — from municipal risk management to advanced defence technology and civil preparedness. The visit also contributed to strengthen the contact and cooperation between our Arctic neighbours.
Building Resilience at the Local Level
The delegation met with Kari Broström, Head of Risk Management for the City of Oulu, and Jyrki Kivirinta, Chief Inspector at the Oulu Police Department, to discuss multi-agency collaboration and the growing importance of local preparedness.
Kivirinta highlighted the link between social challenges and security, noting an increase in youth crime and school absenteeism following the COVID-19 pandemic. “It shows the importance of the school setting,” he said, emphasizing the need for early intervention through cooperation between police, schools and social services.
Mika Haverinen, Head of Rescue Services at the Oulu Fire Department, shared how North Ostrobothnia Rescue Services covers an area of 39,000 km² with around 7,000 annual rescue missions. His presentation illustrated the complexity of managing continuity, supply chains and communication systems during exceptional circumstances. Upcoming large-scale exercises like Rescue Borealis 2025 will test Nordic cooperation in civil protection and emergency response.
Ensuring Critical Infrastructure and Supply Chains
At the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY), Paul Javanainen outlined Finland’s comprehensive approach to securing critical infrastructure — from flood control and dam safety to maintaining agricultural production and road transport during crises.
Meanwhile, Mikko Nissinen, Senior Security Advisor for the City of Oulu, presented the city’s robust preparedness system, which includes approximately 2,700 public evacuation shelters and a clear operational readiness model for emergencies. Oulu’s goal, he noted, “is to ensure that residents can maintain a normal everyday life, even in exceptional circumstances.”
Maritime Security and Defence Innovation
A visit to the Finnish Coast Guard in Virpiniemi underscored Finland’s crucial role on NATO’s northern frontline, sharing a 1,343 km border with Russia and responsibility for surveillance and maritime safety in the Baltic and Arctic regions. Increased cooperation with Nordic allies and participation in joint exercises, including Operation Ice Road and Rescue Borealis 2025, demonstrate Finland’s growing international engagement in security operations.
Industry and Innovation: The Oulu Advantage
The delegation also met with Conlog, a leading Finnish company in mobile infrastructure and defence technologies. With over 500 projects and expertise in command, control and communications, Conlog exemplifies how Oulu’s strong industrial base supports both national and NATO-aligned defence capabilities.
At the brand new Nokia’s Oulu Campus, participants experienced one of the world’s most advanced hubs for 5G and 6G innovation. The campus combines R&D, manufacturing, and testing facilities under one roof, powered by 100% renewable energy and utilizing excess heat to warm 20,000 homes. Discussions focused on Nokia’s dual-use technologies — including “network-in-a-backpack” mobile systems and early 6G test concepts — bridging commercial innovation with defence applications.
The group also were introduced to the NATO DIANA 6G Test Centre which is located at the University of Oulu, where dual-use technologies are being accelerated for defence and civilian resilience. Research presentations from cybersecurity experts highlighted the importance of secure AI, quantum safety, and resilient hybrid networks.
A Northern Ecosystem for Security and Growth
The final discussions centered around NDSN – Northern Defence and Security Network, a newly established cluster connecting Oulu’s city administration, universities, companies, and investors. Supported by BusinessOulu, the network aims to strengthen regional innovation and help SMEs access global markets in defence and security.
The delegation saw firsthand how Oulu has positioned itself as a dual-use innovation powerhouse — merging connectivity, AI, microelectronics, and defence solutions. Finland’s proactive approach demonstrates how regional ecosystems can contribute to shared Nordic security and sustainable growth.
Reflections
The Oulu visit emphasized that preparedness is a shared responsibility — spanning public authorities, private enterprises, and local communities. The Nordic North is rapidly developing into a strategic hub for security, technology, and resilience.
Team Nordic Arctic’s initiative to foster collaboration between these northern actors underscores the importance of joint learning and partnership in facing the complex security landscape of our time.
The Team Nordic Arctic is a project funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Arktis 2030. The goal of the project, led by ProTromsø, is to strengthen the North Nordic region through business collaborations. The project aims to enhance the cooperation between Norway, Sweden and Finland in the Arctic by applying Norwegian know-how on Arctic society, business, and knowledge.
The overall goal of the project is enhanced Nordic cooperation in the High North in difficult times. We aim to strengthen the Arctic communities in the Nordic countries through sustainable business development, recruitment of youth talents and the inclusion of indigenous people and minorities. One of the main work packages includes Arctic Business Matchmaking in each of the three partnering countries, held in Oulu, Finland, Umeå, Sweden and Tromsø, Norway.
If you wish to hear more about participating in the project or in the B2B matchmakings, please contact project manager Julie-Helene D. Sørensen at julie@protromso.com
