PLENARY SESSION 3
Speaker Bios
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ballroom AB
Jaakko Autere, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Finland to Canada
Bios
Mr. Jaakko Autere is the Counsellor of Trade and Commercial Affairs to the Embassy of Finland in Canada since February 2023.Mr. Autere has previously worked over 30 years in international organizations in various industries for Fiskars, Iittala, L’Oreal, Kellogg’s, Gogrow, Orkla, Olvi Breweries, Finnish Design Forum and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.Mr. Autere’s long experience in international management positions, board work, Finnish government and private businesses give him an unparalleled business insight. He has extensive international experience from European, American, Japanese and MENA markets.Mr. Autere is a graduate of University of Jyväskylä with a Master of Business Administration degree in Economics. Email: jaakko.autere@gov.fi
Seppo Tossavainen, Head of Economic and International Affairs, City of Joensuu
Presenting: A discussion on strategies for adding new value to the forestry industry. Case examples will be shared from the Forest Joensuu Innovation Ecosystem in Finland, highlighting their achievements and potential contributions to enhancing industry value along with several company case studies, including an investor seeking new factory sites in Canada.
Bios
M.Sc. and MBA with 30 years of experience in global bio and circular economy business development, encompassing ownership, sales, marketing, and strategy. Mr. Tossavainen has worked with seven different companies and development agencies and currently serves as the Head of Economic and International Affairs for the City of Joensuu, Finland, recognized as the Forest Capital of Europe. Email: seppo.tossavainen@joensuu.fi
Lauri Sikanen, Principal Scientist, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (LUKE)
Presenting: Forest management and timber harvesting practices in Finland are presented and reflected with the situation in Canada. Changing weather and “social climate” are pressurising forestry at the same time with increasing demand of renewable raw materials and products. Already recognized and potential collaboration opportunities will be shared and discussed.
Bios
Dr. Sikanen has been working over 30 years with industrial timber supply R&D. 1999 he had his PhD of customized wood purchases and supply at the University of Joensuu, Finland. Since 2001 he has been focusing on wood biomass for energy and international technology and know-how transfer. In Luke and former Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) he has been leading and participating R&D and consulting projects in Finland, Scotland, Germany, Italy, Russia, Iceland, Portugal and Canada. Sikanen worked also as a professor of energy pellet research at the University of Eastern Finland 2008-2013. He is also an external adjunct professor of Lakehead University (ON) where he was working as a visiting scholar the autumn semester 2017. Sikanen is a chairman of the Forest Bioeconomy Strategy Group of North-Karelia. 2017 Canadian Embassy to Finland awarded Dr. Sikanen by the ""Certificat d´honneur et mérite"" for his work in strenghtening Canada-Finland relationships in forest bioeconomy and science. Currently Sikanen runs the group of 25 forest technology and wood material science experts in Luke and acts as a ""Country Manager of Canada"". Email: Email lauri.sikanen@luke.fi
Dominik Roeser, Associate Dean, Research Forests & Community Engagement, University of British Columbia
Presenting: This presentation will describe how collaboration between Finland and Canada is driving progress in improving forest management practices in Canada. It will explore opportunities for technology and know-how transfer, highlighting the mutual benefits and advancements in the forestry sector
Bios
Dr. Dominik Roeser is holding the position of Associate Dean for Research Forests and Community Engagement, as well as serving as an Associate Professor of Forest Operations at the University of British Columbia. With over 22 years of experience in forest research and innovation, Dr. Roeser has become a leading expert in supply chain design and technology transfer. At the University of British Columbia, he leads a dynamic research program, focused on developing sustainable solutions that contribute to the evolution of a thriving bioeconomy. His collaborative efforts extend across continents, as he has worked closely with diverse partners in both Europe and Canada, fostering innovation and advancing the field. In recognition of his expertise, Dr. Roeser was honored with a nomination to the External Review Panel of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) in 2022. Email: dominik.roeser@ubc.ca
Pasi Pinta,CEO NordBEST Inc. Honorary Consul of Finland.
Presenting: Discussion on challenges and opportunities faced by Canadian First Nations in regard to natural resource development and how Finnish solutions can help. Hybrid forestry practices and full value chain approach for solutions.
Bios
Pasi Pinta, MBA, AGDM, PMP is an experienced management professional specializing in strategy and its execution through information, innovation and effective project management. As the pro bono Honorary Consul of Finland, he formally represents the Finnish Government in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. A resident of over 40 years in Northwestern Ontario, he knows the area through a career that spans pulp, paper, forestry, mining, healthcare, higher education, telecommunications, commercial facilities, banking and international trade forming a significant professional network. Pasi's opinion is sought out as a trusted advisor having served as a board director in multiple organizations and is currently the board president of EHP Environmental Solutions Canada Ltd. in addition to being partner and CEO of NordBEST Inc. Email: pasi.pinta@73health.ca
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