Travel Finland

Architect, designer, inventor, technician, Alvar Aalto mastered the techniques of world multi-disciplinary way, it seems now. Nothing that touched the material was alien to him. It was the first to speak of a new technological culture, visionary idea for its time.

Logically, the first super-multi-disciplinary Finnish university could only be called Alvar Aalto. Logically there was still the symbol in the air January 8, 2010 at the inauguration of the UAA in Helsinki, the ceremonies taking place in two complementary areas: the Finlandia Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.

Finlandia, because the imposing building was designed by Alvar Aalto. The place embodies Finland official and traditional. Kiasma’s throw from Finlandia, is, meanwhile, deliberately turned toward the future with its twisted hull chiasmus propelling it in the future. Defense demographic

In this Jan. 8, 2010 the cream of political and academic worlds of Finland has come together to launch the new super-university. It was high time: Finland was finally develop a super-university concept came from the USA, with MIT or UCLA, creating synergies among multidisciplinary academic elites.

In France too we only speak of super-universities since the election of Nicolas Sarkozy. What makes debate: academia must sharpen it even more of its elites, ideally, make a country up? Or continue to invest in democratization and improving the standard of the majority of students and researchers?

For Finland, a country already donated to the cause of egalitarianism, creating a super-university can continue as other designs, negligible for other countries. Like help defend the country’s demographic decline since the Finnish population inexorably if nothing is done. Such a university would both set in Finland and local elites to maintain momentum and attract scholars worldwide in the hope that they do strain where neither the climate nor taxes, nor the language n ‘attract immigrant cohorts. The UAA could be a piece of the puzzle national population. But surely The UAA will help improve the image of Finland in the world. The student’s progress

The all-new UAA consists of three former high schools:
the Ecole Superieure des Sciences et Techniques, Higher School of Economics and Commerce and University of Art and Design.

For students, the goal is to combine the disciplines. The study has succeeded his entrance to one of three universities he then access the other two.

The first year, students must be to focus on their discipline. From the second year, mobility primera increasingly to impose progressively until the end of the course. Each year a series of special courses will be offered and especially recommended for students of two universities.

Naturally, students who have already begun to study and are being studied in one of three universities, will be able to finish their degrees under the previous rules. Yet the idea of the UAA is to offer them as opportunities for increased mobility from one university to another. International integration

The three deans of the three universities are led by the super-dean of the UAA, Tuula Teeri, but the three universities retain some autonomy over their curriculum.

In addition, each university maintains its own committee for Academic Affairs (see box for the budget). As for the Design Factory ( www.aaltodesignfactory.fi ) was a kind of laboratory to test the versatility of education, cooperation between researchers and industry, among others, will continue its activities, providing research projects for start-ups as well as shorter projects involving synergy university and industry.

For example, the UAA is the only Finnish university for a study of becoming a designer, chemist (to find and test materials) and entrepreneur, as it gives the possibility to move smoothly, or simultaneously , one of these courses to others. The UAA also allows its members to integrate into university curricula of universities and other super-large international schools, apart from Finland, for researchers and teachers, what the Anglo-Saxons call “tenure-track .

Conversely PhD students and graduates worldwide will also integrate the UAA to be effector their work or teach. Tuula Teeri revealed that between 20 and 40 teaching positions will open this year 2010.
Excellence

In their inaugural speech, President Tarja Halonen, Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and President Tuula Teeri, have repeatedly pointed out the emphasis on excellence. Yet it is regrettable that the model is launched now, with a lag, while some were thinking the last few years.

There is also concern that the UAA absorb a mass of credits that can be used elsewhere to raise the level of other academic areas, such as letters or Sociology. But modern technology can not they also serve a new humanism, ecological one?

Historically it was in 2005 we had the idea to bring together high-level colleges and to make a single entity devoted entirely to innovation, a sacred concept in Finland since the enormous success of industrial Nokia. Logically it is only a top university for a second legend could emerge: in the field of bio-technology or nano-technologies? The Finns have also intended to take the lead in technological innovation in terms of respect for nature and promote sustainable development.

Prior to leading the super-university, Tuula Teeri – has worked hard and published on the chemistry of wood, another traditional Finnish specialty. This highly specialized training predisposes to cornaquer AUA, among others, towards a more rational exploitation of forests and their timber resources essential to the survival of mankind.

Which would go towards a technological humanism, natural continuation and logical application of the famous quote from Alvar Aalto on technological culture. + Info

The all-new UAA consists of three former high schools:

Graduate School of Science and Technology (TKK)
Higher School of Economics and Commerce (KKK)
University of Art and Design (TAIK)

Very soon these three names in English will become:
The Aalto University School of Science and Technology
The Aalto University School of Economics
The Aalto University School of Art and Design
—————–

Enrolment in University Alvar Aalto, in early 2010:

Personal: 4000
Students: 17 000 in 2010
Locations: 3 campuses: Otaniemi in Espoo (TKK), Arabia (TAIK) and Töölö (KKK)

A little history:

Dates of foundation of the 3 units:
KKK = 1904
TKK = 1849
TAIK = 1871 (largest university of applied arts of the Nordic Countries)

Birth of the concept UAA: 2005 by the Rector Yrjö TAIK Sotamaa
Debut of the UAA: February 19, 2007
Inauguration: January 8, 2010

Contact details:

Graduate School of Business
Runeberginkatu 14-16 Helsinki
Rector Eero O. = Kasanen

University of Art and Design
Hämeenkatu 135C Helsinki
Rector Helena Hyvönen =

Ecole Superieure des Sciences et Techniques
1 Otakaari Espoo
Rector Matti Pursula =

Alvar Aalto University
2 Lämpömiehenkuja Espoo

———————–

Annual budget:

700 million euros (500 from the Finnish state and 200 private funds)

———————– Foreign study them

The Aalto University School of Science and Technology
The University of Science and Technology offers 17 Masters, 5 Erasmus Mundus Master program in Nordic and 6 short programs. In addition several individual classes were in English. Over 1,300 students worldwide are enrolled in this unit, both registered to obtain diploma or students’ exchange “.

The Aalto University School of Economics
It is the largest high school in Finland for the teaching of Economics and Commerce. Each year 200 non-Finnish students are registered (diplomas and “exchange” together).

The degrees offered are: Bachelor, Masters, Doctorate in Economics and Business Administration. KKK also provides programs internationally accredited MBA and EMBA.

The Aalto University School of Art and Design
This school offers a degree of “Master of Arts (MA) in English, to be followed over periods of two years.

As elsewhere in Europe, but before all other countries, Finland has experienced the baby boom in 1944, the proportion of inactive weigh heavily on the shoulders of the taxpayer. Innovators, policy and decision makers are working on a solution of retaining a few years older retirees to come, pushing the age limit for retirement from 63 to 65, even 68 years.

But this extension will do so voluntarily and incentives: invited to resume the service, the seniors will gain 4.5% additional retirement points, cumulative, from 63 years. For a retiree of 68 years, this corresponds to 30% pension increase compared to what he would have received at age 63. This is not negligible, but greed could take second place. Knowledge to be transmitted

Sörnainen district in Helsinki. At the Academy Theatre – TEAK – Vesa Vierikko, famous actor and drama teacher recalls:
“For a student-actor there are fifteen points to know about our business. Not one more. And go around these fifteen point could take a quarter of an hour! Yet if we work our students for five years is that there is something else to digest: maturity, rub the experience of the ancients. ”

The passing of the baton from one generation to another, the transmission of experience is by sponsorship TEAK original with a senior actor taking under his wing a young student. “The former follows again for the duration of her studies, attending his performances, he gives advice, compliments or criticism. Our business relies heavily on the transmission of knowledge from old to new destinations “, says Vesa Vierikko.

Copy? “The link between the generations? Yes, here we are at the heart of the problem: if we want our workers to reach retirement age continue their careers, we must offer them more pleasant working conditions and above all much more rewarding, like to pass on his experience a newcomer, “insists Professor Juhani Ilmarinen, Center of Occupational Health in Finland. Importance of the 4th

Professor Ilmarinen is the father of all programs “” age “set up in business and government in Finland and for seniors wishing to remain active. The sixty strong, Juhanni Ilmarinen is one of those “boomers” happy in their work and having no intention to retire anytime soon. He has written extensively on the relationship between work and retirement and the management of this key phase of life. He summed it up in a house-shaped diagram summarizing the variables of the arrest or prosecution of the work:

“On the ground floor, I placed the health and physical capabilities as the fundamental basis of everything! Without health, no need to consider making the program to follow anyone, “he says.

Above the first floor of the house consists of professional skills: “The more these skills are appropriate and lead to a pleasant work, the person will be more favorably disposed.” The second floor has the attitude and motivation to work: “It’s logical: if the person is healthy, possesses the required skills but has lost his motivation in the way she chooses to retire,” develops there. The next stage, the third, more concrete, representing the conditions of work, reporting relationships, relationships with colleagues, etc …:

“On these particular points that we can act in the best business programs: a person who has no rapport with his colleagues must be supported so that its situation is improving quickly. And if it goes wrong with the above, we need to change these! “Advises Juhanni Ilmarinen ensures that this last point, related to interpersonal relationships, provides just a good room for improvement. Key negotiation

Responsible for initiating the program’s older roads and bridges Helsinki (HKR), Juha Nurmela, the Finnish cultivates modesty: “In an industry where professional employees are doing the bulk of the work outside and physically Our goal is to make up the average retirement age (58 years now) in our early retirement incentive to extend, “he says.

In the suburbs of Helsinki, the workshop of Toukola HKR, Reijo Mattsson – 64 years – Director, began the conversation with a quip: “I’m going to retire next summer and in doing so I extended my career 6 months. You have before you the ideal of the perfect senior! “Still: program encouraging employees is serious and realistic:” The group we must aim first is that of 45-55 years, as more than 55 years have worked in the years 1960-70, at a time when everything was hard and they aspire to retire.

Currently our tasks are assisted by multiple mechanical and electrical equipment and fitness of our younger staff is much better, “he reveals. He says that everything starts with the year preceding the negotiation of statutory retirement: “The continuation of career should be custom made to measure: if one of our men want to have two additional weeks of free time to From Autumn to fish or mushrooms or if want two more weeks of winter to go to the Canaries, we must give it. Everything is negotiable with us! “He assures. The program launched by Juha Nurmela for HKR also includes the transmission of knowledge to younger generations and regular participation in training courses to upgrade professional. Atmosphere

Team Leader at the workshop “mechanical” Toukola, Esko Päiväpuro has just plumb its subordinates in the age group 45-55 years: “With my team I trust relationships to facilitate my conversations with them. First we discuss their health and they would like to see changes in their work schedules: some would have four long days, 9 hours instead of five normal 7.30, for example. Others want to avoid unpleasant tasks considered, “said Esko Päiväpuro. Esko takes his mission very seriously:

“For me, it’s about keeping in touch with my workers, to be constantly listening to them to understand the work they can or can not achieve.” Esko discusses the adaptation of personnel and the establishment of a model to give other companies:

“We are aware that the atmosphere in the workplace, the new style we are trying to launch will have a huge impact in two or three years to come.” At the workshop of Toukola HKR, through arrangements schedules at halftime Timo Hänninen, metallurgist, 61, plans to extend his career. Le?ger Domke, carpenter, 64, admits, meanwhile, that the increase in his pension motivates his choice. Bengt Lostedt, 56, mechanic, is the enhancement of professional experience that counts.

Initially, the Finnish state subsidizes HKR up to 160,000 euros, the City of Helsinki disbursing, meanwhile, 100,000 euros. A score of Finnish companies have already committed to enter such programs “seniors.” Homecoming

Established in Rauma, on Finland’s west coast, the company Oras, specializing in plumbing and sanitary, has launched a comprehensive program for future seniors in June 1996. To date the company’s senior club has 186 members, employees over 55 years ready to extend their careers. HRD of Oras, Merja Helkelä admits that the company focuses on fitness:

“Our over 55 years are followed with attention. On site we provide our staff a gym. In addition there is a sports field at Oras. Branch staff regularly designs events or outings for members of Oras. The company has obviously decided to focus on human relationships: “We appointed team leaders can encourage our employees not only to increase their know-how within the company but also to develop forces their personalities and make life more enjoyable. To do people have if they want a particular coach, “says Merja Helkelä.

Business model, Oras is distinguished by a willingness to consider the wishes and concerns of its staff: communication is not an empty word and email, intranet and TV play a domestic role, Finland remains a country the most advanced in ICT. The new Finnish approach is surprising: we did not train to despise or abandon the sharing of experience between older and younger generations? More than the revaluation of the pension retirement plans “seniors” initiated by Professor Ilmarinen are distinguished by beneficial reunion with human values forgotten.

On 10 March in Helsinki, Pekka Himanen has delivered its latest report on economic and social conditions of Finland. It became a tradition Photo: Veikko Somerpuro, WSOY

P. Himanen gives his view on Finland every three years. This book of nearly 250 pages is an official order, it is Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and Minister of Finance Jyrki Katainen who publicly approved. The two politicians pledged to meditate on its proposals. The Finnish press has been very reserved, not to say hostile. It’s a good thing: a text that is finally launching a debate in Finland!

Bearded and mustachioed, Pekka Himanen (see his biography in box) cultivates the look of the great East European intellectuals of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. It is quite disturbing. This is a Finn not to be confused with a French philosopher. The opposite of BHL, somehow, with which it shares an eternal yet neckline white shirt.

Otherwise, Pekka Himanen of Finland is the young genius of the new philosophy (see sidebar), accommodating moral and humanistic reflection on advanced technology the most recent. Regularly referring to the founding fathers of Western philosophy, or Greece of Pericles, Socrates and Plato, Pekka Himanen visibly trying to build bridges between this period, the fifth century BC, and ours with its social problems, ecological and economic.

Hated or revered, Pekka Himanen of Finland fascinating little accustomed to what one of them gives a kick in the anthill of received truths. Translated into French, the title of this report (“Kukoistuksen käsikirjoitus”) could give: “Scenario for a development (in Finnish society).”

As strange, unusual for such a text but gives the general tone of the report, combining simplicity of language and idealism. A little book, anyway, for all readers. Available only in Finnish, we make a short presentation in French. Dignity

The report begins with a series of numerical findings, bad enough, a kind of state of the art critic of Finland. Then come five themes that, according to P. Himanen, deserve the attention of leaders in Finland. Take them into account would put Finland in the position of “leader” or model for other countries.

First, the “green” industries, promote sustainable development, the second passage to a second version of the welfare state, thirdly the establishment of conditions for multicultural life, rich and intense, the last two points calling for new how to work and teach. But before that the report presents the wishes of Finnish children aged 13-14 qu’Himanen interviewed in schools. In a country where the child is king, it is a fairly effective to introduce the subject.

The future belongs to the younger generations and continue to mortgage the future they deserve is an injustice, “Our current behavior resembles that of an adult who would rise at night to serve in the piggy bank of his kids!” Wrote it. Common sense, the responses of young people deserve a slight detour.

Here are three examples: “I do not want to live in a robot. Each person is important. We must give time to the life and people around us. “” Respect others, help my friends when they go through a bad patch. “” I promise to deal properly with my classmates and vote for a candidate taking into account human values. ”

Do not lose sight that these thoughts have also backdrops for the drama of Jokela and Kauhajoki and the cruel isolation experienced by some young Finns. Pekka Himanen in his introduction also states: “I support a philosophy based on the ability of each person to live in dignity.” The tone is set. The report proposes a vision for a “life of dignity.” A country weakened

Pekka Himanen paints a rather alarming finding of the Finnish society of the beginning of the decade 2010-2020, a key period in his view, where everything could be decided. He observed that 20% of Finns have psychological problems (depression, anxiety attacks), he takes every day in Finland 700,000 units of painkillers and antidepressants that the same psychological problems have become the main cause for the holidays disease and early retirement, as a schoolboy of 7 symptoms of depression, a student of 20 following psychotherapy.

These sobering statistics are likely to affect not only the performance of the Finnish economy but are a danger to a sparsely populated country, whose population is declining, the number of deaths exceeding the births in 2018. Finland would need to keep its citizens healthy and attract potential migrants from around the world. For P. Himanen, Finland should also fight three evils: cynicism, envy and parochialism. Abandonment of the paper?

Nordic and Finns have always had a strong environmental awareness and enjoyed an exceptional proximity to nature. In this sense the “green” economy, the industries that support sustainable development, environmentally friendly and low energy consumption are expected to become the spearhead of Finnish industry, according to P. Himanen.

“Finland would do well to emerge in country-style on new energy technologies (wind power, electricity generation by recycling, etc …) and all alternative technologies to traditional techniques (the” whole internet “replacing the all-paper, “for example). According to him, all activities conducive to the environment should be tax-free until 2020. And the public sector should set an example in this matter, leaving the communication on paper, for example. Say that the great Finnish papermakers, about?

A proposal would also make spectacular Millennium prize-the “Nobel Prize” of environmental technologies, to focus on this particular area. In contrast, P. Himanen encourages more heavily tax the possible adverse environmental productions, according to the principle of “tax what we burn, not what we create.” The architecture also

According to P. Himanen should evolve the Nordic welfare state to version “.2″ since we arrived at a point where it is increasingly ineffective. Indeed, the most important thing to focus on improving mental and physical health of citizens, especially through prevention, both in the fields of health, that of Education or Labour. “We could zero-rate all contribute to improving investment conditions in the workplace, for example, proposes Pekka Himanen.

In turn, P. Himanen imagines heavily taxing food and harmful substances. Always for the decade 2010-2020, P. Himanen advises the state to push forward all artistic and all that goes in the direction of humanism. Thus: “We should always encourage all the creativity upon which the vitality of the country.”

Finally, new ways of working and teaching should be developed so that the Finns working in favorable environments (focus on the architecture of buildings and physical activity) and a good atmosphere (emphasis on psychological follow-up).

For teaching both in schools and university, should combine and grow three concepts: trust, establishing synergies of intellectual enrichment and creativity ubiquitous concept favorite author. Hellenism

Upon receipt of this report the Minister of Finance Jyrki Katainen expressed positively surprised to find so many abstract ideas, such reports generally focus on “objective” data, rarely appeal to aesthetic or humanistic feelings . That said, in excellent Nordic citizens P. Himanen is pragmatic, stressing the role of taxes and charges and the impact that taxes have on possible future changes. It is brave enough to be noticed.

The only awkwardness contained therein has been advising the government to organize weekly seminars or speakers would be invited internationally known. Beginning with the members of its own networks. It’s a small mistake committed on a single page, but which were immediately rushed some editorialists Finnish, accusing him of self-promotion and press it on this point (see article in Helsingin Sanomat Virpi Salmi).

So sad this angle of attack can shut everything the report contains new and exciting proposals. Too bad, because steeped in Hellenism Pekka Himanen remains, in our opinion, the only figure Finnish intellectual weight that can change attitudes.

Mr Alexander Stubb: Green technology is a great opportunity for Finland

Mr. Alexander Stubb, Finnish Foreign Minister said that the adoption of clean production technologies and reduction of pollutant emissions have a beneficial effect not only the environment but also on the European economy and Finnish.

“The EU is less dependent on coal than any other major economy in the world, and clean technologies are becoming an asset increasingly large for us,” said Stubb at the Cleantech Finland Business Forum

According to Mr Stubb, the profound transformation of the global economy will continue to modes of production and consumption “greener” with a low utilization rate of coal. He notes that “the global economy has already entered the era of competition clean technologies.” United States, investments in this area are already huge, and developing markets show growth even faster. If Europe wants to stay in the race, we must not ignore. ”

Stubb noted that the EU has the distinction of being the pioneer in the field of action on climate change. “In Europe, it has received support only for establishing competitive economic activities in an area that will inevitably also important too.”

Mr Stubb believes that the current change will have significant impact on business activity and regulation of the latter both nationally and globally. Mr. Stubb has four steps:

1. Europe needs to take a bold leadership role instead of one who is content to follow. All means must be implemented to break the link between economic growth and increased use of coal.

2. The European Union will introduce a carbon tax across the EU in lieu of taxes at the national level. Also, the EU should seriously consider to increase the rate of reduction of emissions to 30%.

3. It will facilitate business activities globally rather than strengthen protectionist measures. With economic change, the risk of increased protectionism arise. To agree on game rules, we need closer cooperation and a more strategic level between the countries concerned.

4. It is important to keep a broad view: clean technologies are not just climate change, or fossil fuels. New challenges will arise as and as the race for other natural resources (such as water) accelerates. This will impact on more and more sectors of the economy and business activity.

Equal Opportunity

The Finnish education system allows everyone equal access to education, regardless of place of residence, gender, economic status or the origin of languages and cultures. The school system is very extensive, and schools are mixed.

Compulsory education is free (including teaching, school supplies, meals, health services, dental care, transportation, taking into account the educational needs and learning support). Elementary and Middle School

Education is compulsory from 7 to 16 years. Schools do not select their students, and each child generally includes the establishment nearest his home. Competent teachers

Teachers at all educational levels hold a university degree, the Master level is indeed required. The course includes practical training in the classroom.
The teaching career prompting widespread enthusiasm in Finland, universities can select the candidates most motivated and responsive to the trade. Student guidance and support strengthened and specific learning

Individual support is proposed taking into account the well-being of the student, and the national curriculum lays down the guidelines to follow. Assistance for students with special needs is integrated into classroom work whenever possible. Counselors guide students in their college choice for the future and in learning methods. Rating encouraging

The evaluation results of schools and pupils are intended to be encouraging and motivating. The objective of the evaluation is to produce information for schools and students to improve. The national assessment tests, school rankings from the rate of passing exams and inspection structures do not exist.
Importance of education in society

Finnish society places a high priority to education, a high level internationally, and nationally, the education policy collects a broad consensus. Flexible system based on autonomy

The Finnish education system is flexible and is based on the principle of decentralization of administration. The central administration of education develops the national curriculum, in conformity with the objectives set by legislation and the national curriculum and the implementation of goals obligations to municipalities. Schools and teachers have considerable autonomy in the organization and content of education. Cooperation

The search for interaction and partnership is emphasized at all levels of education. Indeed, there is cooperation between different levels of administration, between schools and between schools and other social actors to develop schools. The education authorities cooperate with organizations of teachers and school leadership. This cooperation has supported a significant development. Design active learning adapted to the student

The organization of school work and education is based on a conception of learning that emphasizes the student activity and interaction with the teacher, other students and the learning environment.

Lovers of their social system, Finns defend their tax

“Paying taxes is to be stupid,” said an owner of an SME Athens newspaper Liberation last May.

In a country where tax evasion is a national sport and a good part of tax officials are corrupt, it is difficult to imagine anywhere else in Europe can be said: “Paying taxes is fairness.” C is yet the case in Finland.

As in all democracies of northern Europe, the Finnish state raises taxes without difficulty. Best tax is the foundation of the welfare state.

“I do not think we particularly liked paying taxes,” says Sixten Korkman, director of the Research Institute of the Finnish economy, “but we know perfectly well that our tax money funding what we are very attached: the home of early childhood education, welfare, health, infrastructure … ”

Social paradise but hell tax Nordic countries experiencing the highest taxes in the world. With a tax burden of about 44% of GDP in Finland is located at 5 th among OECD countries after Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and Norway.

A tax that everybody pays, retired to the unemployed, while in France is taxable as a single from more than 8000 euros per year. The preposterous concept of tax shelter is completely unknown. Especially progressive taxation does not suffer any relief in relation to marital status or number of children. It is therefore impossible to make a joint statement with its own individual statement. Considered a tax administration efficient and honest

Withheld at source, tax is regarded as relatively simple and requires no complex bureaucracy. “We have confidence in the public sector and tax administration are generally considered effective and honest,” confirms Sixten Korkman.

The high level of social protection can not function without this strong income redistribution. Because the government runs strong secondary distribution through taxes. If financing of the social system is mixed, social security levies represent only about a quarter of tax revenue in the Nordic countries, against more than one third in France. In contrast, the tax on income and profits account for about 40% of tax revenues, against 23% in France.

The principle adopted by these countries is that of solidarity rather than national companies to transfer employees of an indirect and deferred income. The extent of redistribution is quite similar in France and the Nordic countries, but the consequences on the economy are quite different, because the resources are not collected in the same way.

In the case of the Nordic countries, they are largely on income distribution and, in the case of France, they inflate the costs of production companies. The French system, weighing the cost of labor, it is ultimately detrimental to the competitiveness of the economy. Welfare State

By redistributing the wealth widely, the tax is also a tool for equalization of incomes and living conditions. Always taste the famous Nordic equity! “We believe that the tax burden is shared reasonably – although we would still see the rich pay more,” summarizes Sixten Korkman.

He concluded: “The key to this respect before the tax is that we are so enamored of our welfare state that politicians dare not question it. It would even be dangerous for them to propose cuts in taxes as voters feared a decline in the welfare state. “

But the sharpest contraction in output is now behind us and although growth was still negative in Finland during the first quarter of 2010 and the country is officially in recession, Bank of Finland considers that the growth rate of 1.6 will % in 2010. The resumption of growth is still shy because Finnish exports have barely restarted. The estimate is 1.8% in 2011 and +2.2% in 2012.

The recovery, which is confirmed in many countries already, will likely be held in Finland later this year. The explanation for this slow recovery is the dependence of Finland with regard to exports, which fell 28.6% in 2009. However, for 2010, predictions are finally positive. In April, the backlog of Finnish industry grew by 22.1% and the trend was the same throughout the beginning of the year. Already in April industrial production rose 8.8% compared with the same month last year and during the first quarter of this year it increased by 5%.

This rebound is a consequence of the continued international recovery and increased demand for manufactured products and services in Finland, including forestry and metallurgy are the most important sectors. The sector shrank the most is food, which was significantly affected by labor disputes in 2010. With the decline of the euro Finnish exporters can take advantage of the situation to increase their competitiveness and exports.

In a sluggish economy in the world, the unemployment rate was considerably higher in 2009. This trend should continue this year until the end of 2011, when it reaches 9.1%, according to forecasts from the Bank of Finland. Unemployment particularly affects young people 20 to 29 years. The upcoming wage negotiations should take into account this situation and business productivity. The inflation rate in Finland measured by the harmonized index of consumer prices remain low and will not exceed 0.5% in 2010. However, it is likely to reach 1.7% in 2011 and 2.0% in 2012.
The government’s initial response to the recession, especially a small fiscal stimulus, supported concrete activity. The financial system remains stable, and with a stimulus well managed, public debt will account for only 43.9% of GDP in 2010 .

Although the increase of debt is high, the forecast for several other European countries are hardly more optimistic. So Finland will always be among the best students of the European Union. Finns are quite optimistic about their future. The crisis in their 90s showed that consumption eventually take over and that bank deposits are firmly guaranteed.

Economic relations between France and Finland continue to be rosy. Despite a fall in trade due to the global crisis, France remains an important partner for Finland. Indeed, it occupies the sixth place as the country of import and seventh place as the country of export trade in Finland.

Finland exports to the French market for paper machines and mobile phones (in total 385 mn euros for the period January-April 2010). France, meanwhile, provides Finland planes, cars, medicines, machinery and food products (486 mn euros for the same period). The largest French project in Finland is the nuclear center Olkiluoto III.

ARTnord 10 is devoted to the encounter between art, architecture and environment. It discusses how the concerns and commitments related to climate change appear in art and architecture in the Nordic and Baltic countries particularly sensitive to these issues and has been for a long time.

After a thorough study analyzing the peculiar attitude Nordiques vis-à-vis nature and their direct environment, texts and interviews by specialists authors illuminate the work of established artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Rúrí, Henrik Håkansson Mäkipää or Tea, and the establishment guaranteed by the younger generation.

ARTnord is currently the only magazine dedicated to current artistic Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) and Baltic (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). Published since 1997 by the Committee of Nordic art historians – CHAN, affiliated with the National Institute of History of Art, this annual review is intended to be as the intermediary between the creative spirit of innovative countries north and a wider audience more interested and intrigued by this multi-faceted culture.

Originally intended for a readership of academics, the journal now has access to review status of art and, under the direction of art historian Asdis Ólafsdóttir, now reaches a wider audience of art lovers, design, photography and architecture.

And the country where he does best is live … Finland!

This is the result of the classification of best countries in the world conducted by Newsweek August 16, 2010. The Newsweek survey has assessed the social, economic and political than 100 countries based on five criteria considered essential: health, economic vitality, education, environmental policy and quality of life. Finland ranks first, followed by Switzerland and Sweden.

Finland is not only winning all categories of classification, but she won the awards of small countries and countries with high incomes. As for its education system, it is considered the best in the world.

The magazine says that despite a long winter, Finland is the country where it’s most livable and wondered why the countries’ small and cold “(ie d. Nordic countries) triumph in such rankings. Besides Finland and Sweden, respectively first and third, Norway and Denmark ranks sixth tenth of the investigation.