Nordic Resilience in the Era of a New Security Environment

At a seminar organised by Vaasa University of Applied Sciences as part of the Wasa Future Festival, participants explored the future of Nordic resilience. As societies face the challenges of a changing security environment, the experts delivered a clear shared message: comprehensive security is a responsibility that belongs to the whole society.

The security environment has changed rapidly, and societies must be prepared for an increasingly diverse range of disruptions and crises. Preparedness is no longer limited to defence; it also encompasses security of supply, critical infrastructure, digital security, and the ability of citizens and communities to respond effectively in exceptional circumstances.

As part of the Wasa Future Festival, a seminar held on Friday, 14 August examined the new reality of Nordic resilience. At Vaasa University of Applied Sciences’ seminar, Beyond Defence – Are We Really Prepared?, discussions focused on resilience and comprehensive security, particularly from a Nordic perspective.

“We were able to bring together a distinguished and diverse group of speakers from Finland and Sweden. Through their insights, we had the opportunity to examine how the security environment has evolved, what new demands it places on preparedness, and how society’s resilience to crises can be strengthened,” says Marja-Riitta Vest, RDI Director at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.

The seminar, which was open to the public, was organised by Vaasa University of Applied Sciences through its ODDS (Ostrobothnian Dual Use Defence and Security) Hub and the Dual Inno project. The event also formed part of VAMK’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

“Our organisation is committed to strengthening regional comprehensive security, well-being, and resilience through education as well as research, development, and innovation activities,” tells Vest.

Building Resilience Together: Why Preparedness Is Everyone’s Responsibility

The event was opened by the President and CEO of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, Hannu Vahtera, and the expert presentations provided a broad examination of changes in the security environment and their implications for preparedness. According to Colonel Petteri Korvala, Secretary General of Finland’s Security Committee, today’s risks are increasingly interconnected, more difficult to predict, and capable of spreading rapidly across sectors and national borders.

“Preparedness must evolve from a set of separate measures into a permanent, adaptive capability that spans the whole of society. Resilience is built through continuous and close cooperation among all actors in society,” Kovala emphasised.

Security is no longer solely the responsibility of public authorities or the armed forces. Instead, it requires broad cooperation among the public sector, businesses, higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations, and citizens. Strengthening resilience also requires aligning citizens’ expectations and preparedness capabilities with evolving security threats.

“In the future, well-being and security can no longer be taken for granted in the same way as they were in previous decades. Preparedness must become a shared responsibility across society,” Colonel (Ret.) Mika Hyytiäinen reminded the audience in a speech that highlighted the importance of cooperation and individual responsibility.

Member of Parliament Paula Risikko, First Deputy Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Chair of the Women’s National Emergency Preparedness Association, and Chair of the Council of the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK), likewise stressed that comprehensive security is a collective responsibility that requires the engagement of all sectors of society.

“While the central government plays a key role in maintaining comprehensive security, citizens, and civil society more broadly, also have a significant part to play,” Risikko noted.

Resilience Through Everyday Actions

A Nordic perspective was added to the discussion by Minna Lundgren, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Mid Sweden University. In her presentation, she described Sweden’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its comprehensive security and preparedness framework, emphasising that preparedness systems must keep pace with societal change.

“Security planning must take into account today’s social structures, people’s everyday lives, and changing patterns of behaviour. This is essential for strengthening societal resilience and enhancing the ability to cope with a wide range of disruptions and crises,” Lundgren reflected.

The seminar also examined the first line of defence in citizen security: household preparedness. Daniel Metcalfe, Founder and CEO of VIVAL Corporation Ltd, emphasised that individual preparedness strengthens the resilience and operational capacity of society as a whole during crises.

“A household that can cope independently for three days during a crisis frees up security and welfare sector resources for other critical tasks. If a household has essential food supplies and other necessities for a week, it reduces pressure on retail inventories and leaves resources available for other members of the community,” Metcalfe pointed out.

In the panel discussion that concluded the afternoon, representatives from the public sector, academia, and industry assessed Finland’s resilience from the perspectives of critical infrastructure, security of supply, and the interdependencies that underpin modern society. The discussion was moderated by Colonel (Ret.) Mika Hyytiäinen.

Addressing the seminar’s central question, “Are We Really Prepared?”, the panel brought together the following experts: Tomi Kankainen, Programme Director, Digital Defence Ecosystem (DDE), Minna Lundgren, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, RCR Centre, Mid Sweden University, Daniel Metcalfe, Founder and CEO, VIVAL Corporation Ltd, Markus Asikainen, Director, Defence and Security Business, Gofore, Ilari Hatakka, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Suomen Erillisverkot Oy.