Publications
Publications
- February 2023
- HBS Case Collection
Doing Business in Helsinki, Finland
By: Martin A. Sinozich, Lena Duchene, Tonia Labruyere and Daniela Beyersdorfer
Abstract
This case examines the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Finland. It highlights Finland's economic transformation in the decades leading up to 2023 in the context of its history, culture, and politics. The case gives an overview of some of the main obstacles faced by businesses operating in the country, such as labor shortages, inflexibility in employment regulations, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and slowing growth, contrasting these with the efforts undertaken by the government to improve the country's business climate. This is illustrated through the discussion of a business dilemma in which the confectionary company Fazer needs to manage its exit from the Russian market while continuing its sustainability efforts in a changing industry environment.
Keywords
Business History; Business and Government Relations; Corporate Strategy; Research and Development; Foreign Direct Investment; Crisis Management; Culture; Environmental Sustainability; International Relations; Food and Beverage Industry; Finland; Europe
Citation
Sinozich, Martin A., Lena Duchene, Tonia Labruyere, and Daniela Beyersdorfer. "Doing Business in Helsinki, Finland." Harvard Business School Case 323-079, February 2023.