in content lists or on the content page.Media release 3 October 2006
The second phase of Sitra’s India Programme, launched in 2004, is nearing its conclusion. The publication of a four-part series, Suomalaisten Intiat (Finnish Indias) is a notable achievement of the programme’s objective to collect new knowledge concerning India. The India phenomenon is approached from four distinct angles, describing the fields and business cultures of India’s different states that are relevant to Finnish enterprises.
Elina Grundström’s Kiven ja raudan Intia (The India of Stone and Iron) deals with Finnish technology exports and the Kolkata region. Matias Möttölä’s Nokian Intia (Nokia and India) describes the telecom industry and the city of Chennai. It-alan Intia (The India of IT) by Josetta Nousjoki discusses IT services and Bangalore, known as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of India. Susanna Särkkä’s book Vaateostajan Intia (The India of Clothing Buyers) deals with clothing imports and Mumbai.
The four books provide insights into India that go deeper than the surface. They have also attempted to avoid the typical generalisations and stereotypes associated with India. The main observations in the books are all linked with the new forms of internationalisation.
India is rapidly becoming a significant hub of internationalisation. The country offers a gateway to African as well as many other countries. India is, however, unlikely to become the most important destination of Finnish exports, although Indian exports have shown a substantial increase this year. In 2005, Indian exports accounted for only 0.5% of the Finnish exports.
“The nature of globalisation has changed and this is clearly most evident in India. Rather than exporting, Finnish enterprises are now globalising. It may be even more important than exports,” says Elina Grundström.
The blurred division between export, import and production is an everyday reality for Finnish firms operating in India. Tieto Enator, Nokia, Ahlström, Metro Minerals, Luhta and many other international companies mentioned in the four books have established themselves in India and set up sales companies and production facilities.
This is a source of mutual benefits for the companies and India. Finnish companies contribute to upgrading the Indian infrastructure. Through construction projects, Finnish methods are also introduced into India.
When exchanging competencies and experiences, knowledge flows both ways. ”The goal of the India Programme is to facilitate co-operation beneficial to both Finland and India. Finns are well-advised to combine their strengths and competencies with those of the Indians,” says Vesa-Matti Lahti, Head of Sitra’s India Programme.
The soon-to-be-launched third phase of the India Programme will focus in 2007 on promoting competence exchange between Finland and India.
Further information
Vesa-Matti Lahti, Research Manager, Head of Sitra’s India Programme
Tel. +358 50 387 3188
firstname.lastname@sitra.fi
Elina Grundström, Editor
Tel. +358 50 541 0479
firstname.lastname@vihrealanka.fi
Matias Möttölä, Editor
Tel. +358 400 131 380
matias@mottola.fi
Susanna Särkkä, Editor
Tel. +358 40 830 7166
firstname.lastname@elisanet.fi
Josetta Nousjoki, Editor
Tel. +358 40 577 4773
josettam@hotmail.com
NB! The book launch will be videoed and will be available for viewing on the Sitra website www.sitra.fi/seminaarit as of the day following the launch.
Publication details
Kiven ja raudan Intia (The India of Stone and Iron). Elina Grundström Sitra 276. Edita, Helsinki, 2006. ISBN 951-37-4826-X, ISSN 0785-8388 (Sitra).
Nokian Intia. (Nokia and India). Matias Möttölä Sitra 277. Edita, Helsinki, 2006. ISBN 951-37-4827-8, ISSN 0785-8388 (Sitra).
Vaateostajan Intia (The India of Clothing Buyers). Susanna Särkkä Sitra 278. Edita, Helsinki, 2006. ISBN 951-37-4828-6, ISSN 0785-8388 (Sitra).
It-alan Intia (The India of IT). Josetta Nousjoki Sitra 279. Edita, Helsinki, 2006. ISBN 951-37-4829-4, ISSN 0785-8388 (Sitra).
Available at Edita customer service and bookshops. One book is €33.90, all four €97.50.