Finnish Consul on Election Results: "Stay Alert"
Despite the rightward shift in the U.S. election, Marten Mickos, Finland’s honorary consul in Silicon Valley, sees no threat to the region’s role in Nordic interests. But he urges Nordic businesses to stay vigilant about potential changes in U.S. immigration and trade policies.
"I don't see anything that would reduce Silicon Valley's importance to the Nordics or the world. For instance, the SF Bay Area is home to most new AI companies, which will act as a magnet for people and business," Mickos says, underscoring the region’s enduring appeal for innovation-driven ventures.
Even before the election, Mickos advised Nordic businesses to be prepared for any outcome.
"The advice to everyone was to be prepared for either outcome. Now we have the outcome, leaning stronger to the right than expected. The U.S. may now make immigration harder, and it may raise import tariffs more. This can harm business both in the U.S. and elsewhere," Marten Mickos explains, urging companies to stay alert to potential policy changes.