Building Quantum Nations: Finland’s Playbook for Tech Sovereignty
Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto opened Day 3 with a clear message: quantum is no longer a futuristic curiosity—it’s a present-day lever of economic security, competitiveness, and resilience. In a keynote that blended physics fluency with policy pragmatism, Puisto outlined how Finland is knitting together research excellence, startup dynamism, and trusted international partnerships to build a “quantum nation.”
Quantum as Strategy, Not Just Science
Puisto framed quantum across computing, communications, sensing, and materials, noting that its impact now sits at the intersection of technology, business, and society. With geopolitical tensions rising, he argued, leadership in quantum will shape the future of cybersecurity, economic strength, and even deterrence—and therefore demands both collaboration and research security. Transatlantic cooperation, he said, is essential to aligning innovation with shared values while creating markets as global as possible.
Finland’s Four-Part Formula
Finland’s rise, Puisto suggested, is less about size and more about consistency and focus:
Invest in education and basic science: Decades of patient funding in low-temperature physics, photonics, advanced materials, microelectronics, and quantum algorithms created the scientific bedrock for today’s industry.
Build on your strengths: A national tradition in cryogenics and photonics means the country had the infrastructure ready when superconducting qubits needed ultra-low temperatures—and when quantum devices demanded world-class optics.
Bridge lab and market: Intentionally connect researchers with entrepreneurs and end users, encourage angel investing and venture formation, educate a skilled workforce, and open markets for first-generation products.
Embrace risk—then codify the wins: Science is a “rough ride.” Finland’s National Quantum Strategy (April 2025) captures lessons learned and sets ambitious targets to attract international investment, companies, and talent, while strengthening long-term R&D, skills, and infrastructure.
An Ecosystem that Punches Above Its Weight
Citing recent momentum, Puisto highlighted how focused specialization turns small-nation constraints into competitive advantages. He pointed to rapid progress by hardware manufacturers and cryogenics leaders, alongside quantum-specialized software firms tackling complex simulation and optimization. The result is a continuum from fundamental research to operational systems, with enabling technologies (cryogenics, laser photonics) rounding out the stack.
His broader point: success doesn’t strictly track spend. Like elite sports, strategic choices, discipline, and execution often outplay size.
The Nordic Multiplier
The Nordic countries—Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway—have formalized quantum collaboration, combining complementary strengths to move the field faster. That regional cooperation, Puisto said, is a model for working with like-minded international partners at QWC and beyond.
Open but Guarded: Values, Markets, and Security
Puisto called for openness in science paired with protection of sensitive technologies; secure supply chains alongside innovation; and a constant check that speed serves peace, prosperity, and the common good. The aim isn’t national self-sufficiency—no country can cover the entire spectrum—but a trusted coalition that shares knowledge, spreads risk, and accelerates breakthroughs responsibly.
Dual-Use Power, Responsible Use
Quantum’s promise—more sensitive sensing, secure communications, and unprecedented compute—also raises ethical and security questions. Like the nuclear revolution, quantum is inherently dual use. Puisto urged leaders to shape norms now, ensuring the technology’s expanding power is steered responsibly and in line with democratic values.
A Welcome—and a Challenge
Closing, Puisto welcomed delegates to the final day of QWC 2025 and underscored the role of forums like this one: building a community of trusted partners that can move fast and in the right direction. For Finland, the path forward is clear—long-term investment, focus on strengths, tight research-industry alignment, and deep international cooperation—all in service of technology sovereignty and shared prosperity.