As the global threat level rises, the TIETO26 exercise strengthens preparedness across borders
Crises know no national borders. The TIETO26 preparedness exercise prepares Finland and its international partners for exceptional situations in which the functioning of society is put to the test. Solutions can only be found by working together.
What would happen if, for example, the packaging industry in Eastern Finland were interrupted by a military threat? Food supply would be cut off, shelves would be emptied and alternative production capacity would need to be found quickly – from Sweden, Estonia or both.
These kind of situations are simulated in Information Society preparedness exercise – TIETO26, which brings together authorities and companies to develop cooperation and information exchange in exceptional circumstances. This time exercise focuses in particular on securing food supply chains that are highly digitalised and international.
“Our goal is to involve up to 170 organisations from the food industry and its supply chain industries, such as logistics and water services. We are expecting a total of 850 participants, of which 500 would participate also in the intensive phase,” says Antti Nyqvist, Head of Preparedness at Digipooli1. Supply chains and organisations critical to security of supply will also be involved in the exercise, including the National Emergency Supply Agency, National Cyber Security Centre Finland, the Police of Finland and the Finnish Defence Forces.
International scenarios put to the test
The TIETO26 exercise is not limited to Finnish organizations, but the Swedish and Estonian authorities are also expected to participate, in addition to companies with international operations.
“Situations in which we could get support from operators in neighbouring countries will be scripted for the exercise. It is important to know in advance who is doing what and by which mandate,” says Nyqvist.
The exercise provides training on preparedness, especially for widespread disruptions that can cripple critical parts of the supply chain. Preparedness for military threats is also an important theme to get forward in Finnish business life.
Focus on information exchange and a shared situational picture
During crises, speed and information management are essential. TIETO26 develops common mechanisms that enable authorities and companies to maintain an up-to-date, shared situational picture – both nationally and internationally.
“Finland is dependent on global supply chains and technology solutions. That is why we need to make sure that security of supply can be secured even during cross-border disruptions,” says Nyqvist.
The exercise offers companies the opportunity to test their own crisis preparedness in genuine, realistic situations that require seamless cooperation and decision-making.
An inclusive approach that supports learning
The core theme of the TIETO26 exercise is smooth exchange of information and common operating models, which are crucial in crisis situations. Trust, planning and a shared situational picture require considerable effort. They need to be built, and that requires practice.
For companies, TIETO26 is above all an opportunity to test their own plans and gain practical experience of how the authorities and international partners operate during a crisis, even in exceptional circumstances. When realistic situations are introduced to the exercise, it leads to deeper cooperation and knowledge of the right course of action if a crisis were to strike.
Registrations for the TIETO26 exercise are now open
TIETO26 is part of the Finnish tradition of preparedness, which has been cultivated since the 1970s. This year, food supply chains and their operating conditions will be tested with international partners in circumstances where Finland is subject to widespread influence and where there is a potential military threat.
“Security of supply requires substantial effort. We need to practise it – together and across borders,” says Nyqvist.
Lisätietoja
- Digipooli is a trust-based network for cooperation between companies and public authorities that promotes the digital security of society. We strengthen companies’ ability to anticipate disruptions and recover from them, as a resilient digital society is built together. We help companies succeed responsibly and securely. ↩︎