Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, Sandvik Group
Sweden
Finland and Sweden share many similarities as Nordic countries do. By tapping into the two countries’ skills and strengths we can combine in a mutual desire for continuous improvement, which is of benefit to them as individual nations inclusive of the wide range of industries and businesses they host – and, of course, the people living within them.
The similarities the two countries have are e.g. similar legal systems and economic and social models. Smaller countries, like Finland and Sweden, typically do not have a large enough domestic market and by having a genuine openness to trade it provides chances to overcome the limitations of size. By accessing larger markets it gives opportunities to achieve economies of scale in production, strengthening resilience, achievieng a higher sustainable rate of growth, and diversifying their economies. Furthermore, Finland and Sweden have strong national roadmaps for research, development and innovation, targeting to increase the volume and quality of RDI activities, strenthening competence centers and various exosystems.
The countries share a long history too, often mirroring each other’s journey – for example, with both joining the European Union in 1995, and both applying to join NATO following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The need for close and ongoing cooperation and interoperability is crucial, not least from a security perspective in a changing and challenging situation, with Finnish and Swedish governments and armed forces working closely together from a bilateral defense perspective. It extends to the wider strategic level too, including from a business and economic viewpoint. There are, of course, some practical and cultural differences in terms of the two countries, but their many shared values - such as high ethical standards, openness, fairness and teamwork – underpin the alliance. Both Finland and Sweden are often regarded to be some of the most gender equal countries worldwide, with their welfare systems and legal and political frameworks encouraging gender equality and women's rights. Indeed, in 2022, Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden made up four of the five highest ranked countries in the global gender gap index, an index which takes national gender gaps on political, economic, educational, and health-based criteria into consideration. This builds a good base for the economics and cooperation between the countries.
As an organization, Sandvik (of which business area Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is part) bases its decision-making and day-to-day activities upon the values mentioned above, which undoubtedly facilitates a strong cooperation between the Swedish and Finnish parts of our operations. (Sandvik is, of course, a truly global organization, but is firmly rooted within those two countries, which indeed underpin its own internal culture emphasizing on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)).
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is firmly committed to driving a more sustainable mining industry, with mining essential for the world’s energy transition. Already recognized as the industry leader in the transition towards automation, digitalization and electrification, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ employees are the ones who will continue to help drive the change, and the organization continues to acquire and develop the competence required to support rapidly evolving technologies. The Finnish-Swedish cooperation exists right down to grass roots level within our own organization, with colleagues sharing their thoughts and ideas and embracing continuous innovation as they work together to improve safety, productivity and profitability – for our own organization, and for our customers.
The Finnish-Swedish collaboration that we see within our own organization is a microcosm of what exists at the international level: when it comes down to it, it is all about people working together for mutual benefit, uniting in the face of shared challenges and solving problems. It requires a spirit of trust and a desire for “win/win”, with both parties benefitting equally from the relationship. It is not about negotiation, where one party seeks to gain more, but about seeking the best for both, always looking to the future, with both countries and their peoples at the heart of everything. It naturally helps that the countries have a lot of similarities which makes the cooperation more efficient and productive.
Most relationships are facing challenges from time to time, and Sweden and Finland are no different. Cultural and linguistic differences are sometimes a source of difficulties and can also cause some misunderstandings. For example, one of the cultural differences is that Finns like individual responsibility, while the Swedes are more for group responsibility. Also meeting cultures differ, Swedes want to discuss to get everyone’s opinion and a common “buy in”. Finns, however, often want action quickly which leads to one deciding. Maybe this have to do with more quiet Finns and more talkative Swedes?
Anyway, at country level, and at organizational/individual level, it comes down to good relationships. Finland and Sweden have forged a strong relationship over the course of history, conducted in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, with both equally committed to ensuring the success of an alliance which is of benefit to both. The importance of that alliance has become increasingly clear in recent times and Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is proud of the part that it plays in supporting it at a local/organizational level.