Gitta Perez, Director – Middle East & India (Region Head), Business Finland , 0
In the current fast-evolving business environment, the importance of ongoing learning and skill enhancement has become more apparent. As technology progresses and industries evolve, employers’ requirements for skills are changing at a swift pace. Due to technological advancementsindustry transformations, the need for specific skills is rising, making skill enhancement crucial for both individuals and organizations. The capacity to learn new skills and adjust has become a key element of success in today’s workforce. In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights Asia, Gitta Perez, Director – Middle East & India (Region Head), Business Finland, shares insights on up-skilling talents & helping professionals explore career opportunities and trade promotion.
As you currently steer regional innovation strategies, how has your leadership path influenced your method of fostering international collaborations?
My international career began in Hong Kong and has taken me through Bangkok to Delhi. Each country has taught me something valuable - not only about business environments but about people, perspectives, and the very nature of innovation. I’ve found that curiosity, openness, and the ability to appreciate different ways of thinking are essential to fostering innovation.
I've been fortunate to work under truly inspiring leaders, and I often say that while work itself teaches, the most impactful growth, both personally and professionally, comes from learning from great leadership. At the heart of it all are human relationships. I often emphasize that the key to maximizing innovation is to bring together bright minds from different cultures and countries. When people who eat, drink, consume, learn, and live differently come together, they have the power to co-create something truly new and unique.
How do you integrate trade promotion, support for innovation, and talent recruitment into one platform, and what has been the outcome of this approach in India to date?
In my view, trade promotion, support for innovation, and talent recruitment are not separate silos but deeply interconnected elements that should be approached holistically. Every company aiming to grow internationally must innovate. Innovation, in turn, requires access to skilled experts in their respective fields.
In India, we’ve seen that this holistic approach helps Finnish companies navigate their full internationalization journey more effectively. Business Finland acts as an accelerator for Finnish businesses going global, supporting them at every stage. As companies expand, their needs evolve from market entry and export promotion to innovation partnerships and, eventually, talent attraction. Education collaboration/skilling, and startup engagement are also critical components of this ecosystem. By viewing these areas as a unified whole, we’ve been able to create more comprehensive and impactful support for Finnish companies in India.
How is Finland leveraging existing partnerships, promoting joint research and development initiatives, and creating platforms for knowledge sharing and collaboration?
Finland sees collaboration as a catalyst for innovation. We actively leverage existing bilateral and multilateral relationships to deepen cooperation across sectors, particularly in areas like sustainability, digitalization, clean energy, and health tech. Joint research and development initiatives are at the heart of this approach, often facilitated through Business Finland's co-innovation and joint call programs, which connect Finnish companies and research institutions with international counterparts.
We also invest in building platforms for knowledge sharing, such as innovation forums, thematic workshops, and expert delegation visits, where ideas and best practices can flow freely across borders. In India, for example, we have supported several Finnish Indian R&D projects, startup exchanges, and institutional linkages that have led to tangible outcomes from pilot projects to long-term partnerships. Our goal is to create ecosystems where collaboration is not a one-time event but a sustained dialogue driving mutual growth.
Briefly tell us about your 'Work in Finland' and how it’s helping Indian professionals explore career opportunities in Finland’s innovation-driven economy?
Work in Finland is Finland’s national effort to attract international talent to support its innovation-driven economy. Through Work in Finland we actively promote career opportunities for skilled professionals, especially in fields like ICT, engineering, health tech and healthcare, where demand for expertise is high and will increase in the future.
In India, we've organized targeted campaigns, talent roadshows, and partnerships with universities, startup- and tech communities to raise awareness about Finland as an attractive destination for work and life. We provide practical support for relocation, integration, and job search, ensuring a smooth transition for professionals and their families. By connecting Indian talent with Finnish companies and ecosystems, Work in Finland helps bridge skill gaps, boost innovation, and strengthen bilateral collaboration.
How is Finland establishing itself as an entry point for Indian startups and scale-ups aiming to penetrate the European market?
Finland offers Indian startups and scale-ups a strategic, innovation-friendly gateway to Europe—backed by world-class digital infrastructure, ease of doing business, and EU market access. Finnish ecosystems like Helsinki’s vibrant startup scene and Espoo’s deep-tech hubs are internationally recognized for their collaborative spirit and access to both talent and funding. Several Finnish cities—including Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere and Oulu—also run dedicated soft-landing services that give Indian founders practical help with company registration, Startup Permit process, local networks, workspace, and first-customer pilots, smoothing their initial market entry.
Business Finland plays a key role in this by providing various funding instruments for startups that are headquartered in Finland, and expert advice to help Indian companies localize, pilot, and scale their solutions. We together with Finnish cities also connect founders with Finnish corporates, universities, accelerators and R&D networks through close cooperation with other ecosystem players/organizations and other bilateral initiatives—ensuring Indian ventures can plug quickly into Finland’s high-trust, innovation-driven ecosystem.
Also Read: 6 Successful Business Ventures of Cristiano Ronaldo
Which key industries do you believe offer the greatest opportunities for collaboration between India and Finland?
India and Finland have highly complementary strengths, making several sectors ripe for collaboration. Key industries include clean energy and sustainability, where Finnish expertise in for example circular economy, bio-based solutions, and smart energy, aligns with India’s green transition goals. Digitalization and emerging tech, especially AI, quantum, and cybersecurity, also present major opportunities, as both countries are investing heavily in these areas.
Health and well-being, including digital health and medical devices, is another strong match, as is education technology and skills development, where Finland’s world-class education system can support India’s vast talent pool. Additionally, mobility and smart manufacturing, including Industry 4.0 and EV solutions, offer significant ground for joint innovation and market expansion. Through strategic partnerships in these sectors, we maximize the opportunity of innovation and success for both India and Finland.
Briefly tell us about your 'Work in Finland' and how it’s helping Indian professionals explore career opportunities in Finland’s innovation-driven economy?
Work in Finland is Finland’s national effort to attract international talent to support its innovation-driven economy. Through Work in Finland we actively promote career opportunities for skilled professionals, especially in fields like ICT, engineering, health tech and healthcare, where demand for expertise is high and will increase in the future.
In India, we've organized targeted campaigns, talent roadshows, and partnerships with universities, startup- and tech communities to raise awareness about Finland as an attractive destination for work and life. We provide practical support for relocation, integration, and job search, ensuring a smooth transition for professionals and their families. By connecting Indian talent with Finnish companies and ecosystems, Work in Finland helps bridge skill gaps, boost innovation, and strengthen bilateral collaboration.
India and Finland have highly complementary strengths, making several sectors ripe for collaboration
How is Finland establishing itself as an entry point for Indian startups and scale-ups aiming to penetrate the European market?
Finland offers Indian startups and scale-ups a strategic, innovation-friendly gateway to Europe—backed by world-class digital infrastructure, ease of doing business, and EU market access. Finnish ecosystems like Helsinki’s vibrant startup scene and Espoo’s deep-tech hubs are internationally recognized for their collaborative spirit and access to both talent and funding. Several Finnish cities—including Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere and Oulu—also run dedicated soft-landing services that give Indian founders practical help with company registration, Startup Permit process, local networks, workspace, and first-customer pilots, smoothing their initial market entry.
Business Finland plays a key role in this by providing various funding instruments for startups that are headquartered in Finland, and expert advice to help Indian companies localize, pilot, and scale their solutions. We together with Finnish cities also connect founders with Finnish corporates, universities, accelerators and R&D networks through close cooperation with other ecosystem players/organizations and other bilateral initiatives—ensuring Indian ventures can plug quickly into Finland’s high-trust, innovation-driven ecosystem.
Also Read: 6 Successful Business Ventures of Cristiano Ronaldo
Which key industries do you believe offer the greatest opportunities for collaboration between India and Finland?
India and Finland have highly complementary strengths, making several sectors ripe for collaboration. Key industries include clean energy and sustainability, where Finnish expertise in for example circular economy, bio-based solutions, and smart energy, aligns with India’s green transition goals. Digitalization and emerging tech, especially AI, quantum, and cybersecurity, also present major opportunities, as both countries are investing heavily in these areas.
Health and well-being, including digital health and medical devices, is another strong match, as is education technology and skills development, where Finland’s world-class education system can support India’s vast talent pool. Additionally, mobility and smart manufacturing, including Industry 4.0 and EV solutions, offer significant ground for joint innovation and market expansion. Through strategic partnerships in these sectors, we maximize the opportunity of innovation and success for both India and Finland.