Finland celebrates 100 years of independence
Finland is celebrating its 100th anniversary as an independent state all through 2017. Culminating in the Finland 100 centenary programme, the year has so far seen events, collaborations, projects, and innovations which have honoured the occasion and Finnish expertise. At Planmeca Group, the centennial has been marked by exciting new product releases, co-operations, donations, and events.
Finland gained its independence on 6 December 1917 as the result of a collective and dedicated effort. Although hard times followed, the Finnish people were ultimately able to build the emerging nation with the same determination which first led them to independence. Since then, the day has been for Finns a symbol of past hardships, present accomplishments and future progress.
This year, Finland celebrates its 100th anniversary as an independent state. To commemorate the occasion, the Finland 100 centennial programme is featuring events and activities celebrating Finnish culture, expertise and achievements all through the year.
So far the programme has included exhibitions, competitions, cultural, sports and children’s events, conferences and seminars, charitable activities, corporate co-operations, and a multitude of joint projects in e.g. the arts, research, education and nature conservation – all under the grand theme “Together”. In keeping with the theme, the festivities have also brought together people with organisations, corporations with charities as well as Finns with friends of Finland.
“Our products are a prime example of what Finland has to offer in terms of competence and creative thinking.”
– Planmeca founder and President Heikki Kyöstilä
The centennial has also been very much present at Planmed as the company is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Some of the highlights of Planmed’s year so far have been numerous events and exciting new product and feature releases – and more is to follow later this year.
“Our products are a prime example of what Finland has to offer in terms of competence and creative thinking,” states Planmeca Group founder and President Heikki Kyöstilä. “We design and manufacture cutting-edge technology and software solutions which advance health care all over the world. Although we are a global company, we are proud of our Finnish roots and being part of the Finnish success story.”
Education and research have remained a top priority for the company. Accordingly, Planmeca Group has this year made sizeable donations to Finnish higher education, including Aalto University and the University of Eastern Finland, and signed a research cooperation agreement with the University of Helsinki and the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS). Additionally, the group is an official partner of the Finland 100 centenary year, which has featured prominently at Planmed events throughout the year.
Planmed Verity® Extremity and ENT CT scanner at a trade show.
Planmeca Group’s Senior Vice President Tuomas Lokki emphasizes the importance of progress: “Innovation does not happen by itself and it necessitates scientific research and continuous learning. Nowhere is this more true than in health technology. By investing in Finnish education we want to ensure that the educational establishments of our country continue to produce the kind of knowledge and competence that can move the entire industry forward."
Finland today is one of the most innovative countries in the world. The nation has sent out high technology, distinctive brands, arts and culture as well as innovative digital, industrial and educational solutions all over the world, and remains a hub for creative thinking and doing. The centennial and the Finland 100 programme offer an opportunity to both look back at these accomplishments and look ahead towards the globally shared goals and future success which we can reach together.
For more information on Finland and the Finland 100 centenary year, visit http://www.visitfinland.fi and http://www.suomifinland100.fi.
Text: Aleksandra Nyholm & Sanna Tolmunen