ABSTRACT: The Finnish model of comprehensive security and national resilience helps ensure the continuity, under all circumstances, of critical economic functions and critical infrastructures that are essential for the citizens’ wellbeing, for the industry and for national defense. This includes the energy sector which is currently under great strain in Europe, including in Finland. Energy transition, whilst a necessity, carries a variety of risks that need to be managed simultaneously with the short-term energy crisis with global reach and implications. In addition, in the midst of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the threat against energy infrastructure is very real. The current situation with Russia requires vigilance, in particular in Finland which resides in close proximity of Russia. In this context, efforts around national resilience aim at ensuring continuity of critical infrastructure, services and production, anticipate disruptions and limit their impacts. Cooperation between the public and the private sectors is a key success factor for securing the critical functions of the society as well as adequate protection of critical infrastructure, including in the energy sector.

BIOSKETCH: Mr. Janne Känkänen was appointed Chief Executive Officer for the National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) on September 1, 2020. Känkänen has occupied the position as acting CEO since April 2020. In addition to long leadership experience, Känkänen has experience in demanding special government projects (bailout of distressed companies, financial restructuring, etc.) in the field of industrial policy as well as EU affairs. Before his current position, Känkänen has served in several positions at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and has held several BoD positions since 2008. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Helsinki.

NESA is an independent central government organization operating a 2 billion EUR National Emergency Supply Fund and coordinating a broad network of Finnish companies deemed critical for national resilience. The Agency is responsible for maintaining Finland’s strategic stockpiles and involved in running programs aimed at ensuring resilience of critical infrastructure.