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Finland and the Global Economy: Conversation with Jari Vilen, Minister for Foreign Trade, Finland, January 23, 2003 by Harry Kreisler

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest today is the Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade, Mr. Jari Vilén.

  1. Background ... education ... influence of parents ... hometown near Swedish border
  2. Politics in a Democracy ... entry into politics ... skills required ... importance of education
  3. Finland's Adaptation to a Changing World ... maintaining traditions and culture ... withstanding hard times ... effect of recession and fall of the Soviet Union ... many trade partners ... national consensus to address new challenges ... proactive policies ... broad agreement in society by all sectors
  4. Shaping the Future of Technology ... the Nokia story ... the shape of the future ... traditional computer vs. handheld device ... Finland as technology testing-ground ... partnership between government and entrepreneurial sector
  5. The European Union ... reasons for joining the EU ... importance of free trade for Finland ... helping people understand and accept change ... generational differences ... challenges posed by Microsoft
  6. Lessons Learned ... fulfilling one's dreams ... life in politics ... European constraint on shifting between politics and the private sector ... the opportunities of Finland

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