Aki Kangasharju lectures on Finland’s economic outlook at the Business School

D.Sc. (Econ.) Aki Kangasharju, Managing Director of Etla, visited Oulu Business School to share his views on the future of Finland’s economy and working life.

Kangasharju gave lectures on the Finnish Economy and Economic Policy course as well as the Business Theory and Thought course, which was open to all participants.

In his lectures, Kangasharju discussed Finland’s economic growth from the perspectives of its current challenges and future opportunities. In the short term, economic growth in Finland is slowed by geopolitical uncertainty, while in the medium term, weak productivity remains a key issue. Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of work-based immigration and higher levels of education.

Kangasharju takes a positive view of AI and does not believe it will threaten young people's jobs. Instead, he expects some tasks to become automated while new ones will emerge. In the long run, this represents a technological transformation similar to those seen before.

Ultimately, Finland’s economic future depends on productivity growth and investments in skills, innovation, and the green transition.

Created 1.4.2026 | Updated 1.4.2026