During Vantaa’s 50th Trade and Commerce Day, we approached the future bravely: renewal generates growth
This year, Vantaa’s Trade and Commerce Day was organised for the 50th time. The theme of the anniversary was “Bold renewal – growth in transformative times”. Approximately 500 participants gathered in Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport to discuss Vantaa’s and businesses’ future, growth and resilience in transformative times. The message was clear: we should not wait for the future to happen but take active measures to shape it together.
The Trade and Commerce Day program consisted of speeches on technological transformations, the ability of companies to adapt and Vantaa’s future. The speeches and conversations included contemplations on how AI, bold choices and cooperation can help companies and the city to thrive among transformations.
The event was hosted by Reino Meriläinen, Director of the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce’s regional office in Vantaa and Viivi Raitio, City of Vantaa’s foresight expert.
The anniversary also included a surprise performer, rap artist Mäkki, who started his journey to fame in Vantaa. Other musical performers were Vilho Ahola, Veera Puhakka and Verneri Timonen, a trio from Vaskivuori upper secondary school.
Let’s not wait for the future, let’s shape it
Pekka Timonen, Mayor of Vantaa, reminded the audience in the opening speech that Vantaa is gaining momentum with many interesting ongoing projects. He pointed out the growing, young and international population, the airport, the many business areas and the strategic location as Vantaa’s strengths, including a proactive approach to matters and a hands-on mentality.
According to Timonen, the future is being actively shaped, although it is not possible to impact everything around us. At the same time, the city must continuously strive to improve its own ways. Application procedures must be effective and smooth, and decisions must be made. Timonen encouraged companies to approach the city and demand courageousness.
- Approach us and demand the city to be as courageous as you are, Timonen highlighted.
When it comes to AI, less can be more
Anselm Küsters, Head of the Division for Digitalisation and AI at the Centre for European Policy (cep) and Scientific Director of cep Nordic Countries, gave a speech on efficient utilisation of AI and the resilience of companies. According to Küsters, the potential of AI is not yet utilized optimally, but the solution is not that companies use as much AI as possible. Businesses are encouraged to tailor the usage to suit specific needs.
During the speech, the present time was illuminated by historical perspectives. Significant shifts have occurred throughout history, and many new technologies have been met with resistance and even fear.
The biggest risk can be stagnating development
Company representatives also discussed how they experience renewal. Shopping Centre Director Olli Lehtoaro representing Shopping Centre Jumbo summarised the meaning of development in a direct way: Jumbo’s strength is based on its ability to develop. As the surrounding city and the clients’ day-to-day reality changes, also the shopping centre must change in similar proportion.
- The shopping centre’s biggest risk isn’t change per se, but remaining unchanged, Lehtoaro pointed out.
Within the food industry, the ability to adapt is also a competitive advantage. Director Nasia Gavrielides-Klemetti from Gavrielides Foods discussed the topic during the day. Quickly changing food trends and impatient markets as well as openness towards combining flavors and food cultures were some of the discussed themes. The future of the company benefits from Vantaa’s logistically excellent location, good connections and a business-friendly environment.
The next 50 years belong to the brave youth of today
The anniversary was not just about retrospective nostalgia, as also young, accomplished individuals and shapers of future Vantaa were seen on stage. “A thriving Vantaa during upcoming 50 years” was the theme of the panel discussion, in which Caverion Suomi’s installation manager Santeri Kuvaja, Junior Achievement (JA) Finland Ambassador Kelly Chau end entrepreneur Aarni Hildén from Hildén & Kaira discussed the future.
The panelists shared thoughts on what kind of competencies and working life skills will be vital in the future. Persistency, social skills, technical knowledge and charisma were highlighted as important features, and also the ability to wholeheartedly explore new opportunities, uniqueness and pride in one’s own work were considered meaningful. During the next decades, the panelists hope to see more entrepreneurs in Vantaa as well as opportunities for the youth to explore entrepreneurship.
Collaboration throughout the decades
Vantaa’s first Trade and Commerce Day was organised in 1977 with the mission to build a connection between the city and entrepreneurs. During the last 50 years, the collaboration has evolved from occasional conversations to a partnership with strong foundations. At the same time, Vantaa has developed from a young city to an international city with an airport, strong businesses and an upcoming light rail.
Get to know the history of Vantaa’s Trade and Commerce Day and economic life: https://business.vantaa.fi/fi/vantaan-elinkeinopaivia-ja-elinkeinoelamaa-70-luvulta-nykypaivaan
Vantaa's Trade and Commerce Day is Vantaa's biggest seminar and networking event related to trade, commerce and entrepreneurship. It is arranged by partner network Business Vantaa, consisting of the City of Vantaa, Vantaan Yrittäjät, Vantaa Vocational College Varia and the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce.
