Finnish president calls for global shift in innovation thinking

Dar es Salaam. The president of Finland, Alexander Stubb, has called on the global community to rethink its approach to innovation, stressing that it should not be viewed solely as a technical pursuit but as a transformative force capable of reshaping societies.

Finland and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a €2 million agreement to support innovation in Tanzania’s forestry sector under the GreenCatalyst initiative.

The partnership seeks to enhance sustainable forest management, conserve biodiversity, and build climate resilience countrywide.

President Stubb made the remarks during Innovation Week, themed Innovation for a Resilient and Inclusive Future.

He pointed to the rapid development of technologies—ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing—as proof that innovation must be understood in wider societal terms.

“Political connections are important, and we follow them closely. But to be honest, partnerships in different industries are growing even faster. Innovation today is not just about global progress—it’s also about building stronger communities,” he said.

President Stubb acknowledged the challenges posed by the pace of change, saying: “Our minds struggle to keep up with how fast things are moving. But even though innovation causes disruption, it also creates new opportunities. One job may disappear, but another is created.”

He proposed a three-pronged approach to fostering innovation: setting clear regulations and goals, investing in early-stage ideas regardless of short-term profitability, and offering broad support to innovation processes.

He warned against governments attempting to pick market winners.

“You can’t rely only on laws or money,” he said.

“You need new ideas. Governments should create the right environment so that entrepreneurship can thrive,” he emphasised.

To illustrate this, President Stubb shared the example of a water-saving shower system created by a Finnish start-up funded by a public bank, which recycles water, using just three litres per shower.

“It looked odd and messy, but it worked. We didn’t choose them to win. They came up with the idea, and we supported them,” he said.

On climate policy, the President stressed the importance of fairness, arguing that it is unrealistic to expect developing countries to adhere to the same environmental standards as wealthier nations.

“We shouldn’t ask them to copy others. Instead, we should help them develop their solutions,” he said.

He also called for more investment in research, education, and adaptable legal frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advances.

“Innovation doesn’t usually come from big systems; it comes from small start-ups. That’s what we should support,” he said. 

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative John Rutera also spoke at the event, introducing the Green Catalyst Initiative, which aims to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in Tanzania’s forestry sector.

“This is a special moment. Not every day you get a president involved in such an initiative,” he said.

Finland’s contribution adds to support already provided by other long-standing UNDP partners such as the European Union, all working to strengthen the Funguo Innovation Programme a key driver of Tanzania’s emerging innovation economy.

“Tanzania’s economy is growing fast and could double in the next 10 years. It’s on track to become East Africa’s largest economy,” Mr Rutera said.

He highlighted the country’s potential to leverage sustainable forestry for biodiversity protection and economic growth.

“Tanzanians are vibrant and full of potential. They are the key to unlocking this development,” he added.