[Symposium featuring the Economic Minister of Finland] Finland in a Geoeconomic World: Resource Geopolitics, Technology Moats, and Strategic Autonomy

The Economic Security Intelligence Lab (ESIL) at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, and the Embassy of Finland in Tokyo are pleased to co-host a public symposium titled:
 
[Symposium featuring the Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland]
Finland in a Geoeconomic World:
Resource Geopolitics, Technology Moats, and Strategic Autonomy
 
We are honored to welcome Dr. Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland, to discuss the evolving geoeconomic landscape and the future of Japan-Finland cooperation in economic security. As an advanced economy with strong technological capabilities and deep experience in resilience, preparedness, and strategic adaptation, Finland offers an important perspective on how small and medium-sized democracies can navigate an increasingly contested international environment.
 
This symposium builds on the June 2025 RCAST symposium with H.E. Dr. Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, which examined geopolitics and the reorganization of the multilateral order. Since then, economic security has moved even closer to the center of national strategy, as governments and industries confront new supply chain risks, intensified technology competition, and the need for greater resilience among democratic partners.
 
Japan and Finland share fundamental values, advanced industrial capabilities, and a commitment to rules-based international cooperation. From critical minerals value chains and clean technologies to dual-use innovation, digital infrastructure, and crisis preparedness, there is significant potential for deeper cooperation at the intersection of security, economics, and technology.
 
This symposium will examine how Japan and Finland can translate these shared concerns and complementary strengths into practical cooperation for a more resilient and strategically autonomous geoeconomic order.
 
【Speaker】
Dr. Sakari Puisto
Minister of Economic Affairs of the Republic of Finland
 
Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Sakari Puisto is responsible for matters of the Innovations and Enterprise Financing Department at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The Department is responsible for innovation policy, special public funding and export financing policy, mineral policy, internationalisation policy of business and industry, tourism coordination and promotion of foreign investments. The Department is also in charge of the development of the business subsidy system and space policy.
 
Minister Puisto is also responsible for security of supply issues and, within the Regions and Growth Services Department, for matters related to regional development, sudden structural changes, steering of the Economic Development Centres and business services offered by them, promotion of entrepreneurship, EU regional and structural policy, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).
 
Furthermore, Minister Puisto is also responsible for matters related to the Financial Markets Department of the Ministry of Finance, with the exception of matters related to the strategic steering and supervision of central government borrowing, debt servicing and the investment of cash funds.
 
【Moderator】
Akira Igata (Project Lecturer, RCAST, The University of Tokyo)
 
This symposium will be conducted in English.
 
Notes for participants
- For security reasons, no dangerous materials or food/beverages are allowed inside the venue. Please follow staff instructions during the event.
- Please present your valid photo ID (e.g., student ID or driver’s license) at the reception desk on the day of the event. For security reasons, participants who do not provide complete and accurate information regarding their identity, affiliation, and position may not be admitted.