In a move that capitalizes on collective forestry knowledge and a commitment to smarter, sustainable use of natural resources, Finland and the states of Maine and Michigan are elevating a cooperative effort in bioeconomy and clean technologies, according to a news release made available through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. 

Maine and Michigan, like Finland, are heavily wooded states with long traditions in the forest industry, the release noted, and all three see great opportunities in working together in the transition toward a modern, sustainable bioeconomy that supports growth while protecting long-term forest health.

The cooperation provides many opportunities for companies and researchers on both sides of the Atlantic, and it's an effort that is moving forward at a fast pace, per the release. 

The aim for the working groups is to act as platforms for joint U.S.-Finland research, development and innovation projects, the release stated. 

“These working groups will leverage the culture, insights, strengths and resources of Finland and Maine to strengthen our respective bioeconomies, advance innovative wood construction like Cross Laminated Timber, and enhance the health and sustainability of our forests in the face of a changing climate,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills. “I look forward to our continuing conversations and the results of our shared efforts to build a greener future based on trade, investment, research and development and commercial activity between our regions.”

The working groups will be open to companies, education and research organizations, and industry interest groups.

"It is absolutely brilliant that we have a cooperation model and industry working group activities between Finland and the states of Maine and Michigan," said Business Finland's Director General Nina Kopola. "These working groups will help to identify joint projects and innovation exchanges aiming towards the expansion of sustainable bioeconomy, and this is exactly the right direction to go."

“I am very pleased about the strengthening of bioeconomy cooperation between Finland and the United States,” said Minister Jari Leppä of Finland's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. “Cooperation will bring growth to the bioeconomy while producing sustainable solutions to mitigate climate change and safeguard biodiversity. The expertise and infrastructures in research also complement each other.”

The cooperation is based on Memorandums of Understanding that Finland has signed with the states of Maine and Michigan. At the center of these partnerships are sectors that share similar interests, as well as opportunities to pool expertise and collaborate on bio- and circular economies and clean technologies.

As a result of the enhanced cooperation, officials in Finland, Maine and Michigan hope to access research and innovation funding in Finland (Business Finland Co-Creation, Co-Innovation) and the U.S. from both state and federal level programs.