1. Competitive - and innovative
Helsinki region was recently named the most innovative region in the EU (Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2019). The European Commission’s Regional Innovation Scoreboard publication makes comparisons of the ability to function of innovation environments in European countries and areas. Helsinki-Uusimaa’s strengths in the comparison were, for example, the high number of trademark and patent applications relative to the gross domestic product, the share of data intensive jobs of all jobs, the number of participants in lifelong learning, the high education level of the population and the innovations in SMEs. Finland as a whole repeatedly tops the lists of international competitiveness rankings. For example, the whole of Finland has been ranked as the seventh most innovative nation in the world (Bloomberg Innovation Index 2020). Our high-quality public sector is very efficient, and labour productivity is high.
2. Location, location, location
Helsinki is a gateway to other EU markets and the rest of the world. The location of the Finnish capital is strategically optimal as part of the Nordic region that borders Russia, is close to the Baltic markets and offers 8 hour flights to both Beijing and New York. You can also travel between Helsinki and St. Petersburg by train in just three and a half hours.
3. Reliable
Finland is economically and politically stable and predictable. In fact, Finland has kept its position as the world’s most peaceful and stable country for almost a decade (Fragile States Index 2020). Finland also ranks as the world's third least corrupt country (Corruption Perceptions Index 2019). Helsinki may be surprising, but it is never unpredictable. Society here is cohesive and inclusive. It is developed together, and no one is left out.
4. Top experts
Over one third of the labour force in Helsinki has a higher education degree. The University of Helsinki is listed among the world’s top 100 universities (see rankings). Three out of four Finns speak English, and almost half of all Finns speak two other languages in addition to Finnish. Finland is also the most literate country in the world (Social Progress Index 2020), and our teachers are the world’s best. Finland also fops the list for future education skills (2019 Worldwide Educating for the Future Index) and Finns have the best opportunities in Europe to develop their skills at work (ERM Report 2018).
5. World-famous start-up scene
The start-up scene in Helsinki is dynamic, helpful and enthusiastic. International growth companies, investors and media representatives gather each year at the Slush event, while the local start-up community is buzzing on a daily basis. Helsinki currently ranks fourth among rising start-up ecosystems (The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2020). The Helsinki Metropolitan Area did well in terms of, especially, financing and skilled labour. What will happen when Maria 01 campus, currently the leading startup campus in the Nordics, grows to be Europe's largest?
6. Safe and family friendly
Helsinki is the kind of city that families love. Everyday life here is simple and straightforward. Helsinki is uncomplicated, compact and safe. Kids walk with their friends to school and activities, and you can walk home at night after eating out at a restaurant. The public schools and daycare centres in Helsinki are the best in the world. We in Helsinki believe that every child should be able grow up to be the best version of themselves regardless of their parents’ wealth or connections, and every adult should have the freedom to combine career and family, roam the streets safely, rely on public healthcare, and enjoy a modern, well-functioning society. Helsinki has also been named the No1 city in the world for families in 2020 (Cities of Opportunity: Best Cities for Families 2020), after researchers analysed 150 cities and 16 factors including paid parental leave, high-quality education, healthcare, employment rates and general affordability. And parents living in each location were polled on what they think about where they live.
7. Happiest city in the world
Finland is repeatedly listed as the world's happiest country and matching the comparison between countries, Helsinki ranks first among cities (World Happiness Report 2023). One key element of happiness is a safe place in the world, where one doesn’t need to worry about the basic things of life and where one can live without anxiety, stress and depression. There are many aspects in Finnish society that promote a positive general atmosphere in society, including perceived safety, trust in the police and authorities, and a welfare state that lowers stress levels. Helsinki also often tops the lists of world’s cities in terms of quality of life. Life expectancy in Finland is among the highest in the world.
8. Top economic potential and business environment
Helsinki is one of the best regions at attracting investment in Europe. Helsinki won its own class in Economic Potential in the Financial Times’ publication fDi Intelligence, as well as the whole Helsinki Metropolitan Area. According to the Global Innovation Index 2020, Finland ranks at number one - for the third year in a row - when it comes to business environment. The index ranks 131 economies according to detailed indicators. Helsinki’s real estate market ranks as fifth-most dynamic in the world, right after Silicon Valley, Frankfurt, Berlin and Boston (City Momentum Index 2020).
9. We love technology
Helsinki is a superb city for technology and entrepreneurship. ICT is in the city’s DNA. Helsinki has 87,000 members of the workforce with advanced programming skills. Helsinki Region is home to 500 technology industry start-ups. Finland ranks EU's first in digital public services and second in integration of digital technology (DESI report 2018). No wonder that the game industry is seen as Helsinki’s strength in the ranking of the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2019. In the ranking, Helsinki is highlighted as a challenger region that has been put on the must-to-watch list. The city intends to be a leader in smart and clean technology - and is not far from its goals. When the European Parliament compared the Smart City initiatives of 468 European cities, Helsinki was ranked as one of the top six. Propelled by agile city development policies, Helsinki is planning to stay at the cutting edge in the future.
10. Gender equality
Helsinki is a great place for women. Finland is a global leader in terms of equality in the workplace. In fact, the 2020 Global Gender Gap report by the World Economic Forum listed Finland among the top three countries in the world in terms of equality. Finland is constantly ranking amongst the best countries to be a mother. In the newest State of the World's Mothers report Finland made it to second place, right after Norway. According to OECD, Finland is the only country in the developed world where dads spend more time with school-aged children than mothers.
11. Networked residents
Helsinki is an online city. ICT is an everyday part of life among the city and its residents. Finland has the highest concentration of wireless broadband connections of any OECD country. Helsinki residents also have a long history as technological pioneers.
12. Clean environment
Helsinki is one of the world’s cleanest capital cities. According to the Environmental Performance Index 2020, Finland is the best country in the world when measured by environmental health. Finland’s top ranking is based on the country’s air quality, water and sanitation and the lack of heavy metal exposure. Nature is everywhere and part of our everyday life, in yards, on balconies and in allotment gardens. You can even jump on a bus in the city centre and go mushroom picking in the forest. Clean environment and environmental health are highly appreciated here. The Global Cleantech Innovation Index explores where entrepreneurial clean technology companies are most likely to emerge from over the next 10 years – it's no surprise that Finland ranks second out of 40 countries.
