Finnish preparedness takes center stage at the third panel during Nordic Security and Competitiveness Day
How can societies turn preparedness into practical capability? This third panel will examine Finland’s experience and its relevance for cooperation across the Nordic-Baltic region.
Security strategies depend on organizations being able to act together. Finland’s approach brings that challenge into focus: how can government, businesses, and citizens help keep society functioning under pressure? The panel “From Doctrine to Deterrence: Finland’s Societal Mobilization and the Nordic-Baltic Opportunity” brings together expertise in public administration, industry, and research. Their backgrounds connect national preparedness with the organizational capabilities needed to put it into practice.
Finland offers a concrete starting point. Its comprehensive security approach assigns a role to public authorities, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals in safeguarding essential functions. The country’s updated security strategy covers both preparedness and responses to disruption, with stronger links to European and transatlantic cooperation. Finland’s Security Strategy for Society.
For business leaders and public officials, this raises practical questions. How should organizations coordinate their responsibilities? What capabilities help supply chains withstand disruption? And where could closer cooperation across national borders strengthen preparedness?
Wojciech Piotrowicz, Associate Professor in Supply Chain Management and Social Responsibility at Hanken School of Economics, brings a research perspective. His work examines logistics and supply chains, focusing on crisis preparedness and resilience, particularly in conflict settings. It connects the panel’s strategic theme with the practical challenge of sustaining flows of goods and resources.
Esa Rautalinko brings experience from the defense industry and other parts of the economy. He led Patria until spring 2026 and is now Executive in Residence at Hanken School of Economics. His background spans food, electronics, construction, and wholesale, providing a broad business perspective on organizational capability.
Veera Parko, Strategic Adviser to the Permanent Secretary at Finland’s Ministry of the Interior, brings 20 years of government experience. She has worked closely with Finland’s participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s civil preparedness and resilience activities. Her experience also includes European Union preparedness policy and service as Vice-Chair of the alliance’s Civil Protection Group.
Alexander Zilliacus, Senior Specialist in International Affairs at Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency, adds a perspective on cooperation across borders. His responsibilities include relations with Sweden and the United States, alongside wider Nordic cooperation.
Finland’s experience provides a basis for examining how national arrangements could inform closer Nordic-Baltic cooperation. The practical test is how shared ambitions translate into organizations that can act together when needed.
The discussion forms part of Nordic Security and Competitiveness Day on November 16, 2026. The Center for Security and Resilience at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) will host the event. This year’s theme is “From strategic autonomy to strategic coordination”. Explore the program and registration options for Nordic Security and Competitiveness Day.
