Government adopts resolution on space strategy

The Government adopted a resolution on the national space strategy on 30 December 2024. The space sector and its geopolitical operating environment have changed significantly in recent years. There are around 200 companies operating in the sector in Finland and their turnover has tripled in 2018–2022.

The key areas for space technology applications are in the security and defence sector, telecommunications and climate change. Many functions important for society rely on space services and would deteriorate or function poorly without very accurate location, time or measurement data provided by satellites.

“One of the key ideas of the previous strategy completed in 2018 was to build an operating and innovation environment in Finland that would strengthen the space sector. The tripling of the turnover of space sector companies indicates that this has been successful. It also appears that the administration of the space sector is working well and is not an obstacle to growth. The new strategy aims to further strengthen growth in the sector,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman.

“International research shows that investments in space activities will benefit other sectors of society 6–7 times the value of the initial investment. The importance of space activities for the security and defence policy is constantly growing. The space will be one of the stages for great power competition,” adds Rydman. 

In order for space services to be produced and utilised in Finland, skills, research data and a favourable operating environment are necessary. Cooperation between the private and public sectors plays a key role in this. Due to limited resources, Finland must identify the capabilities in which it wants to be self-sufficient. These will be supported by services acquired through international cooperation.

As a rule, the measures defined in the strategy will be implemented within the framework of the current duties and operating expenses of the administrative branches and other bodies. The administrative branches participating in the implementation of the strategy will decide on the allocation or application for required resources and funding.

The implementation of the space strategy will be monitored by the Finnish Space Committee and coordinated by the secretariat of the Committee. The previous space strategy dates back to 2018. In December 2023, Minister of Economic Affairs Rydman appointed a working group to update the national space strategy.

Inquiries: 
Maija Lönnqvist, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7105