Finland celebrates 100 years of independence

Finland is celebrating its 100th anniversary as an independent state all through 2017. Culminating in the Finland 100 centenary programme, the year has so far seen events, collaborations, projects, and innovations which have honoured the occasion and Finnish expertise. At Planmeca, the centennial has been marked by exciting new product releases, co-operations, donations, and events.

Finland gained its independence on 6 December 1917 as the result of a collective and dedicated effort. Although hard times followed, the Finnish people were ultimately able to build the emerging nation with the same determination which first led them to independence. Since then, the day has been for Finns a symbol of past hardships, present accomplishments and future progress.

This year, Finland celebrates its 100th anniversary as an independent state. To commemorate the occasion, the Finland 100 centennial programme is featuring events and activities celebrating Finnish culture, expertise and achievements all through the year.

So far the programme has included exhibitions, competitions, cultural, sports and children’s events, conferences and seminars, charitable activities, corporate co-operations, and a multitude of joint projects in e.g. the arts, research, education and nature conservation – all under the grand theme “Together”. In keeping with the theme, the festivities have also brought together people with organisations, corporations with charities as well as Finns with friends of Finland.

Planmeca's pioneering Planmeca Emerald™ intraoral scanner and Planmeca PlanMill® 40 S milling unit for dental clinics.

The centennial has also been very much present at Planmeca, which has been inventing and producing pioneering technological solutions in health care and dentistry from the company’s headquarters in Helsinki since 1971. Exemplifying the R&D and technological know-how to be found in Finland, Planmeca has this year celebrated the release of a number of trailblazing new products. These include the phenomenally lightweight and accurate Planmeca Emerald™ intraoral scanner, the next generation CBCT unit Planmeca Viso™, and the revolutionary Planmeca CALM™ algorithm for patient movement correction during imaging.

“Our products are a prime example of what Finland has to offer in terms of competence and creative thinking,” states Planmeca founder and President Heikki Kyöstilä. “Planmeca designs and manufactures cutting-edge technology and software solutions which advance health care all over the world. Although we are a global company, we are proud of our Finnish roots and being part of the Finnish success story.”

“Our products are a prime example of what Finland has to offer in terms of competence and creative thinking.”

– Planmeca founder and President Heikki Kyöstilä

Education and research have remained a top priority for the company. Accordingly, Planmeca has this year made sizeable donations to Finnish higher education, including Aalto University and the University of Eastern Finland, and signed a research cooperation agreement with the University of Helsinki and the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS). Additionally, Planmeca is an official partner of the Finland 100 centenary year, which has featured prominently at Planmeca events throughout the year.

Planmeca’s Senior Vice President Tuomas Lokki emphasizes the importance of progress: “Innovation does not happen by itself and it necessitates scientific research and continuous learning. Nowhere is this more true than in health technology. By investing in Finnish education we want to ensure that the educational establishments of our country continue to produce the kind of knowledge and competence that can move the entire industry forward."

Finland today is one of the most innovative countries in the world. The nation has sent out high technology, distinctive brands, arts and culture as well as innovative digital, industrial and educational solutions all over the world, and remains a hub for creative thinking and doing. The centennial and the Finland 100 programme offer an opportunity to both look back at these accomplishments and look ahead towards the globally shared goals and future success which we can reach together.

For more information on Finland and the Finland 100 centenary year, visit http://www.visitfinland.fi and http://www.suomifinland100.fi.

Text: Aleksandra Nyholm