Business Arena Finland 2026

With their density and potential for resource efficiency, cities are well equipped to meet future challenges in terms of climate and resilience. Encounters between people in urban environments create opportunities for research, education, and innovation. Here, we discuss the strategies of some leading cities for seizing opportunities and managing challenges.

There is a natural dynamic between access to an airport and the potential for urban development. Here, we discuss different strategies for creating growth and property value linked to the airport.

There is a lot for decision-makers in both politics and business to consider today. At the same time, you cannot wait your way into the future – you have to invest and take risks, even if it is difficult to see the whole picture.  Welcome to a day where we discuss the real estate market and urban development in a constructive and realistic way. 

Host: Kirsi Heikel

The economic conditions look significantly brighter than a year ago, with inflation under control and an interest rate on the way down. Challenges, of course, remain in a still strained geopolitical environment. The question is what this means for the Finnish real estate market, which has always attracted a high proportion of foreign investors. Here, a panel of foreign experts sharing their perspectives on the Finnish real estate market in the short and medium term.

Host: Kirsi Heikel

A long-term manager and owner takes a range of aspects into account when it comes to sustainability to secure the value of their investment. This includes everything from energy efficiency and choice of materials to optimizing digital technology. What do investors demand? Do business decisions regarding sustainability differ between various property segments? Has it become more difficult to assess the effects of legislation at the national and EU level?

Municipalities are important players in the urban development process. Here prominent Finnish municipalities share their views on real estate, urban development, and investment opportunities in the most interesting projects.

In recent years, it has become increasingly necessary to conduct thorough and continuous risk assessments. Many investors are, for instance, placing greater emphasis on friendshoring – political stability as a core component of their investment strategy. Are we seeing a shift in capital flows toward markets perceived as safer? How is the perception of the Nordic markets – and Finland in particular – evolving among international real estate investors? Are there any specific transactions in Finland that are interesting to analyze from a risk perspective?

What does the future of commerce look like? Will e-commerce continue to thrive, or is there a renewed demand for physical retail? How could hybrid models succeed? Are the current shifts in consumer price-sensitivity likely to last? What do consumers expect today - and how should retailers respond?

Host: Peter Nyman

We are living through a period in which it is difficult to predict with any certainty where the global economy is heading. In the US, tensions persist between the President and the central bank. China continues to perform well in several key sectors, though its growth is no longer what it once was. In Europe, major economies are facing significant challenges. Factors such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and ongoing military conflicts further add to the uncertainty. In this context, an internationally recognized economist shares his perspective on the global economy and geopolitics.

It is about connecting the port with the central parts of the city and developing new urban qualities in the port area. The Old City Harbour development is based on the Masterplan by Zaha Hadid Architects with a total gross volume of 400,000 m² commercial and residential premises. What are the main ideas behind the project? How will Tallinn as a city be affected by the transformation?

Host: Tuija Pakkanen, VTT

During 2024 and 2025, investments in hotel properties in the Nordics have clearly recovered. The market also shows greater diversity when it comes to different types of investors – both domestic and international institutional investors have shown increased interest. In this conversation, we analyze the underlying factors and take a closer look at the Finnish market.

Hyperpersoonallinen ostokokemus, intuitiiviset identiteettikokemukset, tekoäly – hypeä vai liiketoimintaa? Mitkä uudet konseptit ovat kiinnostavia niin asiakkaalle, vähittäiskauppiaalle kuin kiinteistön omistajalle?

Panel discussion: Is the Perfect Retail Concept Even Possible?
A hyper-personalized shopping experience, intuitive identity-driven encounters, artificial intelligence – just hype or real business? Which new concepts are appealing not only to customers, but also to retailers and property owners?

Host: Peter Nyman

It’s about an event company that captured the spirit of the times and then evolved its concept over the years. A company that blends the fascination for exceptional skill in action sports with an appealing lifestyle — topped off with a spectacular show and a clear commitment to ecological sustainability. Here, the CEO, a former elite athlete, talks about how he renews a winning formula while staying attuned to its traditions.

The Tuusula Focus business area being developed next to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is set to become one of the most important employment hubs in Uusimaa in the future. In total, the areas offer around 1.5 million square meters of floor space for successful business operations for various companies. What does the timeline look like? What type of property development will the project involve?

Host: Tuija Pakkanen, VTT

We are living in a time when globalization is no longer taken for granted, and businesses must navigate a more complex environment. Issues such as technological development, access to capital, and access to the right skills are more important than ever. How do some of the most innovative companies themselves view the conditions for growth? What are the key medium-term trends? What can policymakers do to foster entrepreneurship?

Welcome to an exclusive investment lunch in conjunction with Business Arena Finland. This intimate gathering brings together leading international investors, developers, and real estate companies for a high-level networking opportunity in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

Connect with key industry players, exchange insights, and explore future collaboration at the forefront of global real estate investment.

Host: Peter Fellman, Editor In Chief, Dagens industri and Special Guest: Chris Giles, economics commentator, Financial Times

American politics has had a significant impact on the world for a long time. The current administration is definitely no exception, and Europe is busy dealing with more or less unpredictable statements and actions. Many observers see a tendency for American democracy to be under severe pressure, and polarization is likely worse than ever. A key factor here is social media and AI, which make it difficult to judge what is true and what is not. How is democracy doing in the USA? What does it mean for the EU and the Nordic countries? How should democratic nations handle the information crisis?

Retail spaces need fresh ideas that truly engage consumers. How can we create attractive and vibrant shopping centers and high-street stores? What will the future of retail look and feel like? Shopping centers already offer services - even church spaces. What kinds of partners help retail businesses build appealing environments? And what do we know actually works? 

Host: Peter Nyman

Global and national investors see opportunities within the residential segment in many countries. How do they generally reason about residential properties as an investment segment, and how do investors reason specifically regarding the Finnish market?

In general terms, office properties have shifted from being seen solely as stable, cash-flow-generating assets to being associated with higher risk. A tougher economic environment and the rise of remote work have introduced greater uncertainty. The value gap between modern, energy-efficient buildings and older properties in less attractive locations has widened. Overall, the segment now places higher demands on owners and investors. In this discussion, we explore how best to navigate an increasingly complex market.

Muuttuvatko kauppakeskukset? Kiertotalous synnyttää uusia bisnesrooleja: uudenlaisia asiakasryhmiä, uusia tulovirtoja, palveluliiketoimintaa, uusia vuokralaisprofiileja, uudenlaista asiakasvirtadataa, uudenlaisia kuluttajia. Mistä kuluttaja on valmis maksamaan? Voiko kiertotalous olla kauppakeskuksen ydintoimintaa?

Circular Economy Discussion: Not everything for sale is new anymore – Who takes the risk, who gets the profit?
Are shopping centres changing? The circular economy is creating new business roles: new types of customer segments, revenue streams, service-based business models, tenant profiles, customer flow data, and consumer behaviors. What are consumers willing to pay for? Can the circular economy become a core function of a shopping centre?

Host: Peter Nyman

Community properties are attractive to long-term investors for many reasons. How do experts and actors in the transaction market reason about today's market situation?

Despite geopolitical uncertainty and weaker economic conditions in several Nordic countries, the market for hotels and hotel properties has shown comparatively strong resilience – not least in Finland. What can be expected of 2026 as a whole? Are there any interesting trends in tourism that could affect the hotel market? Which projects stand out from the crowd? Will the appetite of foreign investors increase?

After the Finnish reform of the earnings-related pension system coming into effect in 2027, Finnish pension funds will be allowed to significantly increase the share of equity investments in their portfolios. This might happen at the expense of real estate investments. On the other hand, the reform expands the pension funds’ opportunities to use leverage in real estate investments. What do the leaders of Finnish pension funds think about the reform as well as its impact on the allocation of investment portfolios in the future?

Office properties constitute a significant portion of assets in the commercial real estate market. How do prominent experts in the industry view the market and investment opportunities?

Kaupan ja kiinteistöjen karu kysymys: kuka oikeasti kasvaa, kuka vain pitää kulut kurissa? Onko Suomessa liikaa neliöitä ja liian vähän ideoita? Onko uusi kauppakeskus nyky-Suomessa riski vai mahdollisuus? Onko kasvu enää kaikille mahdollista vai vain harvoille? Mitkä alueet ja konseptit oikeasti vetävät – ja miksi? Millaisia hankkeita rahoitetaan nyt? Miten energiatehokkuus, vastuullisuus ja datakyvykkyys vaikuttavat rahoituspäätöksiin?

Panel Discussion: Growth in Retail – Is It Still Available to Everyone?
A tough question for retail and real estate: who is truly growing, and who is just keeping costs under control? Does Finland have too much square footage and too few ideas? Is a new shopping centre in today’s Finland a risk or an opportunity? Is growth still possible for everyone – or only for a select few? Which regions and concepts are actually performing – and why? What kinds of projects are being financed right now? How do energy efficiency, sustainability, and data capabilities influence funding decisions?

Host: Peter Nyman

Ruotsalainen rakennusalan konsulttiyhtiö Tyréns AB investoi voimakkaasti innovaatioihin ja tekoälyn hyödyntämiseen liiketoiminnassaan. Miten Tyrens on implementoinut tekoälyn omaan strategiaansa ja miten yhtiö näkee tekoälyn muuttavan rakennusalan arvoketjuja ja liiketoimintamalleja?

Construction industry value chains and business models in the age of AI
Swedish construction consultancy company Tyréns AB is making significant investments in innovation and the use of artificial intelligence in its business. How has Tyréns implemented AI into its strategy, and how does the company see AI transforming the value chains and business models in the construction industry?

Host: Tuija Pakkanen, VTT

Shopping center investment is undergoing a transformation, and from an investor’s perspective, the market is more uncertain than before — but also full of opportunities. Rental yields are fluctuating, consumer behavior is changing rapidly, and energy efficiency requirements are challenging traditional concepts. At the same time, top-performing centers continue to offer attractive returns, especially if they serve as everyday hubs and community magnets. The panel will explore how to distinguish winners from losers and build new strategies, as well as help shopping center stakeholders — especially tenants and operators — better understand investors’ perspectives, expectations, and decision-making.

Host: Peter Nyman

While interest in several other segments of the real estate market has fluctuated in recent years, interest in warehouse, industrial, and logistics properties has been more stable. Here, actors and experts in the Finnish market explain why.

Vast needs and prospects for stable returns are drawing many investors toward European infrastructure. The deteriorating security situation has put pressure on transport systems, while electrification is creating new demands on energy distribution. In this discussion, we take a European perspective to better understand the challenges and investment opportunities ahead.

An industry panel summarizes the day’s discussions and shares their reflections on the most important insights. The panel also looks ahead and discusses future trends and opportunities within the sector.