LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, expanding bilateral cooperation in clean technologies, advanced mobility, defense industry collaboration, and other strategically significant sectors.
The renewed agreement builds on a partnership first established in 2020 and reflects growing transatlantic collaboration focused on innovation, supply chain resilience, and sustainable economic growth.
“Michigan and Finland share a long history of innovation, collaboration, and the spirit of sisu,” said Governor Whitmer. “By expanding this partnership, we are bringing together world-class researchers, businesses, and industry leaders to create new technologies, strengthen supply chains, and create good-paying jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. This agreement helps keep Michigan at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, mobility, and energy while deepening ties with a key global ally.”
The updated MOU was signed during a visit from Her Excellency Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, Finland’s Ambassador to the United States, and broadens collaboration across shared priority sectors including mobility innovation, battery technology and energy storage, sustainable forest bioeconomy, and maritime and defense-related industries.
“Finland greatly values its close partnership with Michigan, whose dynamic innovation ecosystem and strong industrial base make it an ideal partner,” said Ambassador Mikkola. “Our collaboration has already produced tangible results, including new business and research initiatives and professional exchanges. Together, we are building resilient, sustainable, and competitive economies.”
Finnish companies including Nokia, Harvia, Kone, Ponsse, and Huhtamaki maintain operations in Michigan, contributing to local job creation and reinforcing longstanding economic and cultural ties between the region and Finland’s business community.
According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the expanded agreement is expected to create new opportunities for companies and research institutions to collaborate on next-generation technologies and industrial capabilities.
“Finland remains a strong partner as Michigan continues building the industries that will power future economic growth,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at MEDC. “This agreement strengthens collaboration in key sectors and positions Michigan as a global hub for advanced industry.”
Workforce development is also a central focus of the partnership, with collaboration between Michigan’s research universities and Finnish academic institutions aimed at preparing the next generation of professionals in forestry, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. Michigan State University’s Department of Forestry has maintained long-standing academic partnerships with Finnish universities, supporting research exchanges, joint programs, and student engagement initiatives.
“International collaboration helps drive innovation in sustainable forestry and forest products,” said Rich Kobe, Chairperson of the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University. “Our relationship with Finnish institutions creates economic opportunities while providing transformative global experiences for students.”
State leaders emphasized that the agreement will further strengthen shared efforts to address climate change impacts on forestry resources while advancing research into forest biomass utilization and economic resilience.
“Michigan and Finland are leveraging shared history, cultural ties, and ongoing dialogue to remain global leaders in sustainable forestry,” said Tim Boring, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This partnership will boost innovation, efficiency, and economic opportunity in both regions.”
“Climate change, severe weather, and biological threats continue to impact forest ecosystems in both Michigan and Finland,” added Scott Bowen, Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Expanding collaboration allows us to share research and develop strategies that strengthen biodiversity and economic outcomes.”
The MOU encourages collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, industry stakeholders, and private sector partners to share best practices, develop market opportunities, and foster joint research and commercialization initiatives.
Key areas of cooperation include policy and regulatory exchange, development of innovation partnerships, strengthening defense and maritime collaboration, facilitating research and industry engagement, and supporting participation in joint programs and pilot platforms.
The agreement will remain in effect for five years, with the option for renewal by mutual consent.
