^{Published on 22.9.2026}

Nordic defense and dual-use sector is moving quickly with no signs of slowing down. New technologies are emerging, investment is increasing, and companies are looking for ways to turn their promising innovations into reliable, scalable products.

In that narrow place where commercial ambition meets technical reality, you can find Päivi Jacksen. For almost five years, she has helped Nordic innovators clarify their needs, find the right expertise, and build partnerships across the Nordics. The job calls for patience, curiosity, and a certain tolerance for discomfort. Fortunately, Päivi has a habit of swimming in open water until the temperature drops under 10°C. We asked her what Nordic defense and dual-use companies need to consider as they industrialize, scale, and build partnerships across the region.

How Nordic defense and dual-use companies can scale through collaboration

Who are you, and what does business development at Innokas involve?

My work starts with people and their needs. I contact potential customers, support existing ones, and attend industry events across the Nordics.

A typical opportunity develops through many conversations. First, I need to understand what the customer is trying to achieve. Then we bring in the right Innokas experts, assess the technical and commercial realities, prepare the proposal, and work through agreements such as NDAs.

I also follow the market closely and keep our management informed. I often stand between the rock and the hard place, balancing expectations with what can realistically be delivered.

What is happening in the Nordic defense and dual-use technology sector?

The pace keeps getting faster and faster. We receive new information every day from customers, events, and the wider market.

Many smaller companies are entering the sector with new technologies and specialized solutions. Nordic countries are also becoming more open to cooperation. National needs still come first, but collaboration with neighboring countries follows closely behind. For innovators, this creates opportunities to find partners, test solutions, and reach a market larger than their home country.

How can defense and dual-use companies build more resilient supply chains?

Companies should examine their materials, technologies, and suppliers through different risk scenarios.

Think about these questions: What is available during normal conditions? What happens if a component, material, or technology is suddenly unavailable? Can it be sourced domestically, elsewhere in the Nordics or within Europe?

Having several viable options reduces risk. Sourcing closer can also improve availability and sustainability.

Information security deserves the same attention. A free design tool may appear convenient, but companies must understand where their data goes and whether the software is suitable for sensitive development work.

How can Nordic partnerships support industrialization and international growth?

No company can do everything alone. Reliable partners can provide missing expertise, production capabilities, and access to new networks.

A solution that has already been tested in Nordic markets also gives companies a stronger foundation for entering further markets abroad, with the support of their partners.

What makes collaboration work across Nordic defense industry networks?

Listen, ask questions, and help others make useful connections. When you support people without treating every discussion as an immediate sales opportunity, they remember it and often introduce you to others that could bring a meaningful change to you later.

At the same time, keep your direction clear. Your core message should remain consistent wherever you go.

Where can people meet you next?

I’ll be attending Forsvarskonferansen, the Nordic Defense and Security Conference, and Arctic Lion. I’m open to talking about challenges in industrialization, scaling production, or managing materials and components when availability is uncertain.

When I’m not at various events solving these problems, I might be out for a swim, on skis, skates or on a canoe depending on the season. Training for Norseman xtreme triathlon is also under way again.