Alihankinta pushes for €100bn industrial leap centred on subcontracting and green transition

At the opening of the Alihankinta trade fair in Tampere, Tampereen Messut Oy urged Finnish industry to pursue a new €100 billion growth leap, driven by new technology opportunities, internationalisation and faster market entry.

Taina Susiluoto, CEO of Technology Industries, told a panel that defence, maritime, data centres and energy systems can pull that growth and stressed the central role of subcontracting networks. "Subcontracting is the engine of growth. Finnish subcontracting expertise and the whole network must be brought into international growth flows," she said, urging greater ambition, attention to skills and bold experiments.

Panelists echoed calls for a stronger growth mindset among owners and quicker commercialisation. Martti Wallin of Kuarnis Oy argued that top-tier firms will decide Finland's growth and that owners must be more willing to target international markets directly. Jani Vilenius, head of research and technology at Sandvik Oyj, pointed to a shortage of skilled workers and said Finland needs faster commercialisation cycles and funding structures that support speedier market launches.

The fair showcased cooperation around the green transition, with MAKE Finland presented as a platform linking Wärtsilä, universities and manufacturers to develop low-emission solutions. Company leaders said networked collaboration can give small and medium-sized firms a competitive edge by aligning them with customers' future needs. Organisers named Avant Tecno Oy Main Contractor of the Year 2026 and Meconet Oy Subcontractor of the Year.

Alihankinta runs for three days and typically attracts nearly 30,000 manufacturing professionals and more than 1,000 exhibitors to the Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre. The fair generates about €30 million a year for Pirkanmaa according to earlier coverage. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 29 September–1 October and will be organised by Tampereen Messut Oy.