Recipes for Systemic Change - Helsinki Design Lab

D5 – Cultural DriversD5.1 The Lagging Memory of LeadershipFinland’s leadership in energy efficiency technologies and strong stewardshipof the use of natural resources and the preservation of the environmenthas created a public perception of excellence in environmental issues.This perception is part of the national psyche and plays an important partin how the nation faces the climate change challenge: Because of a senseof accomplishments, the Finnish government has taken a light-handedapproach to the transforming its policy instruments, economy and prioritiesto address GHG emissions and a shifting global landscape.Evidence is both direct and indirect. In many areas of policy development(especially energy and climate), Finland has relied on EU directivesand model policies to drive its own policy objectives. Other countries thatare the perceived leaders in addressing climate change (such as Denmarkand Sweden), have vigorously transformed their national objectives as thedanger and opportunity of climate change have grown. In its own ForesightReport, the Finnish government identifies five other countries alreadyimplementing a carbon neutrality pathway (Maldives, Costa Rica, Norway,New Zealand, and Sweden).There is indirect evidence of Finland’s self-perception regarding theseissues. Many citizens recall a time (during the Energy Crisis) when Finlandwas at the forefront of providing energy models, efficiency policy, and technologyknow-how to countries struggling to change their energy consumptionpractices. Current criticisms centre on Finland's perceived alignmentwith more conservative EU member states with regard to environmentaland energy legislation. Some policy concessions suggest that Finland'senergy intensive industry retains some level of influence over the country'spolitical will.Finns operate by consensus. Many of the challenges of the last centurysuch as employment, social safety nets, or healthcare have been tamed bygovernmental and civil consensus. This is the fundamental precondition tothe efficacy of the Nordic Model. But a consensus-driven political mechanismalso bears some risks. Risk must be minimised or distributed, makingstate-driven initiatives toward an alternative future, such as a decarbonizedeconomy, often seemingly inviable.Now Finland finds itself in a state of flux. Though it was once a leader,Finland has to confront the reality that it now has a long way to go in orderto catch up to its neighbours. This involves transforming its habits andeconomy in response to global demands, providing the services requiredby foreign economies and governments. With a global perspective comesthe demand for competitive national, economic, and even urban contexts.249