Michigan, Finland reach sign collaboration and innovation commitment to clean technologies

During a visit to Michigan, Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that represents a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate on clean technology industries.

Such a commitment — which encompasses dedication to storage technologies — is built on a joint approach to research and knowledge sharing within the automotive sector that is global in scope. In particular, the MOU called out the possibilities of collaboration on policies and regulations, the development of best practices for creating market opportunities and demand for clean technologies, encouraging partnerships between public and private sectors, and promoting the same between researchers and company representatives.

“Michigan is excited to work alongside Finland to identify sustainable growth opportunities in the automotive, maritime and sustainable forest bioeconomy industries, mitigate climate change and collaborate on opportunities to make mobility cleaner and safer,” Whitmer said. “This partnership continues to build Michigan’s longstanding, shared heritage with Finland and positions us to work together to create opportunities for safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation options.”

It could make a profitable alliance on the whole: Michigan, a traditional automotive heartland, has moved hard into the electric vehicle market in recent years. At the same time, Finland is rich in many of the materials needed for electric battery manufacturing. To that end, the Finnish delegation also intends to meet with leaders from the private sector during its journey to Michigan — General Motors and Ford, for example, along with groups like the Piston Automotive Group, PlanetM Landing Zone, the University of Michigan’s Mcity and the American Center for Mobility.

“Both Finland and Michigan want to take the lead in the transformation towards green economy,” Lintilä said. “Finland and Michigan have a lot to benefit from sharing knowledge and creating business opportunities in the fields of clean technologies, smart mobility, and the battery industry, as well as sustainable bioeconomy. It is important to Finland to have concrete collaboration at all levels with the United States, including with states.”