The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan

03/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/18/2026 16:24

Gov. Whitmer Advances Partnership with Finland in Clean Technologies and Defense Industry Collaboration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2026

Gov. Whitmer Advances Partnership with Finland in Clean Technologies and Defense Industry Collaboration

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland to strengthen cooperation on clean technologies, advanced mobility, defense, and other strategically significant industries. The agreement builds on an MOU established in 2020 to promote collaboration between Michigan and Finland on clean technology growth and development.

"Michigan and Finland share a long history of innovation, collaboration, and the spirit of sisu," said Governor Whitmer. "By expanding our partnership, we will continue to bring together our world-class researchers, businesses, and industry leaders to create new technology, strengthen supply chains, and create good-paying jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. This agreement will keep Michigan in the lead on advanced manufacturing, mobility, and energy while deepening our ties with a key ally."

The renewed agreement was signed during a visit from the Ambassador of Finland to the United States, Her Excellency Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, and expands cooperation across several shared sectors, including mobility innovation, battery technology and energy storage, sustainable forest bioeconomy, and maritime and defense-related industrial collaboration. The MOU also recognizes the importance of transatlantic cooperation to address climate change while strengthening economic resilience and securing critical supply chains.

"Finland greatly values its close partnership with Michigan, whose dynamic innovation ecosystem and strong industrial base make it an ideal partner. We are proud to see the concrete results achieved so far, including new business and research projects as well as exchanges of professionals, and we are excited to deepen our cooperation in new domains. Michigan has deep Nordic roots and a significant Finnish American community. Finnish companies such as Nokia (mobile networks), Harvia (sauna stoves), Kone (escalators and elevators), Ponsse (harvesters), and Huhtamaki (packaging) create jobs in local communities and further strengthen the ties between Finland and Michigan. Together, we are building resilient, sustainable, and competitive economies in Finland and Michigan," said Ambassador Mikkola.

"Finland remains a strong partner for Michigan as we continue building the industries that will power our future economies," said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). "This agreement creates more opportunities for companies, researchers, and industry partners in both Michigan and Finland to work together in key sectors, helping strengthen our regional economies and positioning Michigan as a global hub for advanced industry."

The partnership supports the state's priority of workforce development through the collaboration with the Michigan's leading research universities, helping to prepare the next generation of forestry professionals and strengthening the research that supports sustainability and growth in both Michigan and Finland. For years, MSU, particularly its Department of Forestry, has fostered a robust relationship with Finnish academic partners, reflecting the shared importance of sustainable forestry and forest products to both economies. Faculty from MSU regularly collaborate with Finnish counterparts through seminars, joint webinars, and academic exchanges, with additional opportunities for student involvement in development.

"International experiences help us see things in new ways. MSU Forestry's relationship with Finnish universities and researchers advances the innovation of sustainable forestry and forest products for both Michigan and Finland. We want to translate those economic benefits to Michigan and for our students to have an experience of a lifetime through studying in Finland. We are delighted that the Michigan-Finland MOU is continuing," said Rich Kobe, Chairperson, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University.

"Michigan and Finland are leveraging our shared history, close cultural affinity and robust dialogue to remain global leaders in sustainable forestry," said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring. "Today's agreement will help boost innovation, efficiency and resiliency in our respective forestry sectors, creating new economic opportunities and strengthening communities from Hancock to Helsinki."

"Michigan and Finland have forest cover types that are being drastically impacted by climate change, catastrophic weather events, and pests and diseases," said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen. "We want to continue to build on our strong collaboration with Finland to share research and knowledge around species diversity and economic opportunity. At the same time, Michigan wants to find ways to replicate Finland's success with forest biomass use. Michigan's partnership with Finland has already proven that we can accomplish much more together than we can separately."

The MOU encourages collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, industry and businesses, leveraging the strengths and assets of each region. Areas of cooperation may include:

  1. Sharing, as appropriate, information and experiences on policies and regulations;
  2. Sharing and developing best practices on creating market opportunities and demand for clean technologies and strategically significant industrial capabilities;
  3. Facilitating the development of direct contacts and partnerships between relevant public and private sector actors, with the aim of linking the innovation, maritime, defense, and business ecosystems of Finland and Michigan;
  4. Encouraging and promoting dialogue, networking and cooperation between companies, research organizations, and relevant defense-related stakeholders through visits, workshops, meetings and other activities that are mutually beneficial and accepted by both Participants;
  5. Encouraging the participation of researchers and company representatives in partnerships and joint projects within relevant national, regional, and global programs and experiment platforms; and
  6. Establishing other arrangements that allow cooperation in joint activities of mutual interest.

The agreement will remain in effect for five years and may be renewed by mutual decision.

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