Policy Makers

Our goal is to engage policy makers to the opportunities, importance and necessity for skilled internationals in the Finnish workforce. The underutilisation of skilled workers is a global phenomenon that occurs in varying degrees. They face challenges with the lack of recognition of their foreign education and work credentials. In reality, these talents, credentials and international experiences if properly accredited would benefit a positive output for businesses in Finland. As studies show, new thinking in this area is much needed now than ever, as Finland is rapidly becoming a leader in the most innovative and progressive fields in the world, some of which include; bioeconomy, cleantech, health services and digitalization technology etc. 

According to the Legatum Prosperity Index which ranks countries according to several factors including wealth, economic growth, education, health, personal well-being and quality of life, Finland is ranked 3rd. The international community views Finland as an international brand and as a model to be followed in its innovativeness. In accordance, the Finnish brand must be innovative as well in its workforce, preparing them for the international markets and the business world. Notably, one of the areas on the Finnish index which needs further improvements due to Finnish companies becoming more global is the Social Capital. This is one of many areas where the B3CF Skilled Internationals platform can be off great service to Finnish companies by using and sharing its vast array of networks domestically and globally. 

Studying researched and sustainable models from countries such as Canada, The B3CF realises the potential for innovation and improvements in this sector with our platform. There is a gap in the age desparity as a generation of the Finnish population is rapidly arriving retirement age, not filling this vacum will only hinder growth in the country, organisations and companies striving for competiveness in the public and private sectors domestically and internationally. According to research by the McKinsey Diversity Database and Harvard Business Review, companies and organisations with more diverse workforces see greater financial returns. The study found that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity and those in the top quartile for gender diversity are respectively 35 per cent and 15 per cent more likely to have financial returns above their national industry medians. This report is one of many pieces of evidence telling us what we already know: Diversity drives innovation and innovation helps drive bottom-line results. 

The benefits and implications are enormous, not only is it good for the bottom-line of companies and organisations, it is beneficial for the Finnish society because diversity in the workforce breeds inclusion which intern helps integration out in the everyday life. When the immigrant population is integrated, this also creates more opportunities for immigrant employment, creating less reliance on government support and helps to lower the unemployment rate. And as Finland becomes an international brand, it is vital that its workforce can reflect its ever changing demographics.