The changes in working life, industry and the world in general were highlighted at this year's FBI Day (Forest-Based Industries) held in Turku at the end of January. The title of the event was From Forest to Future: Energizing Industry and PeopleThe day offered approximately 300 participants perspectives on the future of wood processing and a people-centered working life.
On the verge of something new
The first keynote speaker of the day was Professor of Futures Studies at the University of Turku. From Markku Wilenius, who spoke about the possibilities and future thinking of the forest industry.
He highlighted the prospects of the field, among other things in relation to climate change, and on the other hand, the benefits of systems thinking in probing tomorrow. According to Wilenius, we are currently living in a period of great economic and technological upheaval, the kind that occurs in history approximately every half century.
“From a systems perspective, something radical could emerge as a result of this. Up until now, the consequences of profit-seeking have not been considered in the economy. Now the paradigm must change and resource efficiency must be increased.”
This opens up opportunities for the development of new technologies. It is clear from Wilenius that forests play a central role in this, which was not seen as clearly as it is now even 20 years ago.
"Finland is the most forest-dependent country in the world. This provides the conditions to solve problems when we move to a bio-based economy," he said.
The themes of the companies' speeches also revolved around sustainability and energy efficiency.
Billerudin Pietarsaari factory manager Marjo Santanen Like Wilenius, he highlighted resource efficiency, which in the company means minimizing water use, waste production and emissions, reducing the use of chemicals, and maximizing recycling. The entire tree is used for the production of the company's paper products.
“The choice of subcontractors is also part of resource efficiency. It is a continuous effort: we have been improving energy efficiency for six years now. It also brings savings.”
He also spoke about Billerud's human-centered values and training programs for employees and managers. "Job satisfaction is high here."
For humanity
The second keynote speaker of the day was DNA's CEO. From Jussi Tolva, which was about people-centered leadership. He reminded the audience how important it is for a leader to give experts space to work without micromanaging. It is essential to create clarity and positive energy, and to constantly learn new things.
Like Professor Wilenius, Tolvanen also highlighted the current uncertain situation in work and other life. “Artificial intelligence and quantum computers are changing the world rapidly, but fundamental human needs remain the same – everyone wants to be seen and heard,” he stated. A leader must ensure this.
On the other hand, a leader also needs to take care of themselves: “After working more than 50 hours a week, efficiency decreases and more mistakes are made. A balanced leader needs a balanced life.”
People-oriented leadership is not a soft spot, Tolvanen added. “It also enables tough decisions. Human leadership brings the heart, not just the hands, to the employee’s work. And job satisfaction increases customer satisfaction, which increases revenue.”
Looking for contacts and prospects
As usual, students had the opportunity to get to know the 16 companies participating in the event during the day. A group of fourth-year students from the board of the Aalto University Woodworkers' Guild were present.
Belonged to the group Oscar Parttimaa considered the best part of the day to be the interesting keynote speakers. “We also get contacts and information about various opportunities for the entire student organization,” he summed up.
Many of those present had come to the FBI Day with summer jobs in mind. A fourth-year student at the University of Oulu Veeti Santahuhta were particularly interested in new growth companies. “Summer work in the field is widely sought after,” he says. A fifth-year student at LUT University juho Leinonen was also interested in life after the summer jobs, as he is still missing a master's thesis from his studies. "I came to listen to different career paths."
Second year student at Aalto University Hanna Kurkikin had come here for summer work: “At the same time, you get ideas and hear more about the phenomena in the field, as well as what is happening in the industry. I especially liked UPM’s speech.”
The anniversary year was reflected in the program
Since this year was the 25th FBI Day, it was a jubilee year. This was reflected in the evening program, which included a photo wall and live music.
"The first FBI Day was held in Oulu in 2001 and over the years there have been many good experiences. The passage of time is evident in the fact that about a third of the companies that participated the first time have since changed their names, for example as a result of mergers," said the CEO of Puunjalostusinsinööriet. Antti Lindqvist.
To celebrate the celebration, the event also presented awards to those involved in FBI Day. The award went to companies that have been involved for a long time, such as Stora Enso, Metsä Group, UPM and Valmet, who have remained partners throughout the process, as well as the Åbo Akademi University Kemistklubben team responsible for organizing this year's FBI Day, as well as its leader. Lotta Martin.
"The students have been involved in the preparations for the day for ten months. I have been in charge of the cooperation between the Wood Processing Engineers and the Chemical Club, and on the other hand, I have been in charge of contacts with the companies involved. It has been nice to do this with the team, and I have learned a lot," says Martin.
