In September 2025, the Sibelius Hall in the City of Lahti, Finland resonated not only with music but with the pulse of the forest — and above all, vitality. The Echo of the Forest event brought together wood and design entrepreneurs from Häme and Southeast Finland to explore the future of their industries, the impact of new technologies, and new models of collaboration. The goal was clear: to listen, share, and imagine how cooperation between education and entrepreneurship could be redesigned for a more innovative tomorrow.
A Tour that Sparked Ideas
Before the main event, Elina Pylkkänen, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, toured the LAB University of Applied Sciences’ Lahti campus. Guided by Tytti-Lotta Ojala, Director of the Institute of Design, she explored the university’s modern facilities and technological capabilities. Conversations quickly turned towards how these resources could be shared more widely — particularly to benefit students and small businesses eager to experiment and grow.
The visit continued to the Pro Puu Center, a creative hub for wood professionals located by Lahti’s harbor. Known for its rotating exhibitions and networking opportunities, the center buzzed with energy as entrepreneurs connected, exchanged ideas, and discussed future partnerships. “The best thing,” said Minna Talvikunnas from the Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and Environment, “is that a whole busload of experts from Southeast Finland came to join us.”
Music, Speeches and Momentum
The event began with a surprise performance that set the tone for the day: the Sinfonia Lahti String Quartet performed an imaginative arrangement of Darude’s music — a creative nod to Finnish innovation and international spirit.
In her keynote, Elina Pylkkänen reminded participants that Finland’s economic vitality depends on small and medium-sized enterprises. “Growth depends on us,” she emphasized, calling for bold new operational models. Jukka Pahta, CEO of Koskisen Corporation, continued the theme, highlighting how increasing the value-added use of wood benefits the entire industry. The sector, he noted, needs both strong national players and small entrepreneurs eager to innovate.
Voices of Entrepreneurs
A workshop led by LAB’s service design students placed entrepreneurs’ needs at the center. Participants identified priorities such as product development, innovation, competitiveness, networking, and internationalization. The ensuing “aquarium discussion” provided instant feedback and ideas for concrete actions.
Johanna Vuorio, CEO and owner of Nikari Oy, proposed that a future center could serve as a testing platform, offering services like fire safety testing that companies now must outsource abroad. Designer Tapio Anttila stressed another crucial point: “It would be good if the center didn’t focus only on technology. Marketing matters — especially for small entrepreneurs.”
Inspiration from Abroad, Vision for the Future
Ola Kukkasniemi, CEO of Wooden Oy, shared insights from Canada’s Technology Transfer Center model, which had inspired his own entrepreneurial thinking. He envisioned a similar structure in Finland — a center functioning as an outsourced RDI department for small companies.
The day closed with futurist Antti Rajala, who invited participants to imagine bold, even wild, possibilities for the future. Esko Kolli of the Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation, a key supporter of the forest sector, encouraged continued collaboration. “Money doesn’t solve everything,” he noted, “but it is important to direct financial resources toward growth, productivity and regional vitality.”
The Echo Continues
By the end of the day, one message echoed clearly through Sibelius Hall: the Finnish wood and design industries are alive with ideas, energy, and a shared desire to grow together. The planned center in Häme could become a catalyst for this — offering small and medium-sized enterprises agile, business-oriented support in product development, innovation, and international reach.
“The main thing is that cooperation and joint development continue,” concluded Minna Talvikunnas. Judging by the enthusiasm in Lahti, the forest’s echo — and its vitality — will continue to resonate far into the future.
The event was organized through a partnership between the Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and Environment, LAB University of Applied Sciences, the City of Lahti, and the Pro Puu Center, with support from the EU-funded MOSAIC – Mastering Job-Oriented Skills in Arts & Crafts through Inclusive Centres of Vocational Excellence project.
