Finland Investor Confidence Barometer 2026: Foreign-owned companies power growth and innovation

The 2026 Investor Confidence Barometer shows that foreign‑owned companies now play an even more pivotal role in Finland’s economy. Their momentum has strengthened, building on the strong expansion intentions already visible in 2023, and demonstrating a clear, continued commitment to growth in Finland.

Foreign-owned companies act as multipliers that attract capital, technology, global networks, R&D capability and high-productivity jobs. Their presence strengthens ecosystems, accelerates innovation and anchors Finland in international value chains.

The 2026 Barometer highlights just how significant their footprint is. Although foreign‑owned firms represent a small proportion (1%) of all companies in Finland, they generate a disproportionately large share of employment, R&D activity and export performance – contributing significantly to jobs, value added and almost half (44%) of Finland’s goods exports.

Long‑term commitment from foreign‑owned companies is evident in the continued reinvestment recorded in the 2026 Barometer. Companies already operating in Finland are driving much of the current growth, and this reinvestment trend now plays a larger role in Finland’s foreign direct investment (FDI) flows than entirely new market entries.

“Foreign investments are needed to turn rational optimism in Finland into reality.”
— Mika Maliranta, CEO, Labour Institute for Economic Research (LABORE)

A clear signal of confidence is the scale of expansion plans. In recent years, more than half of foreign-owned companies have considered reinvesting in Finland. In 2026, this momentum continues. Companies already operating in the country express strong intentions to grow their presence, with over half (54%) expecting to increase their workforce in the next two years.

R&D investment intentions reinforce this trend. The 2026 Barometer shows that nearly half (49) of large foreign-owned firms plan to increase R&D spending in Finland. This is especially important given the global competition for technology investment and the shift toward sustainability-driven innovation.

Respondents cite several strategic reasons for choosing Finland as a base for innovation and development: high-quality talent, access to clean and reliable energy, deep engineering expertise and robust digital infrastructure. These factors combine to form a stable, future-oriented environment where long-term research can flourish.

Foreign-owned companies highlight Finland’s energy competitiveness, climate policy, stable institutions, trust-based governance and low levels of corruption as competitive advantages that reduce operational risk. The country’s full NATO membership has added a layer of geopolitical security, strengthening Finland’s position as a secure base for long-term operations.

“When we make investments, we do it for the long run… The key to attracting and leveraging such investments is a predictable, long-term investment environment.”
— Antti Järvinen, Country Director, Google Finland

At the same time, companies stress the importance of maintaining consistent regulation, ensuring efficient permitting and safeguarding the predictability that has long defined Finland’s operating environment. These factors represent the priorities for global firms deciding among multiple potential locations.

In many ways, the story the 2026 Barometer tells is one of continuity. Foreign-owned companies have always played a central role in Finland’s growth. Their willingness to expand, invest and innovate in Finland shows that they continue to see strong potential in the country’s future.

Finland’s opportunity lies in strengthening the conditions that have earned this confidence, thereby ensuring that the companies shaping its economic success can continue to grow, invest and build the next generation of innovations on Finnish soil.