Employment in the technology industry sees its highest increase in three years
The number of employees in the technology industry began to rise in the third quarter of 2026, and the trend in employment figures is at its strongest since 2023. Production in the technology industry has been on the rise throughout the year. Order books saw further growth; new orders surged, driven by the marine industry; turnover is up; and exports of goods have increased. All key indicators point to growth in the technology industry.
The number of employees in Finland’s largest export sector increased by around 900 quarter-on-quarter in July–September 2026, and totalled 331,100 at the end of September. According to Technology Industries of Finland’s latest survey of order books and personnel, in the quarter now ended, the sector achieved its highest growth since early 2023.
“This is excellent news for Finland as a whole. Order books in the technology industry have been gaining strength for almost two years, and the pickup in demand is finally beginning to show in employment figures as well. Growth in industrial employment has a delayed knock-on effect in other sectors and creates new jobs in them,” says Hanne Mikkonen, Senior Economist at Technology Industries of Finland.
Growth in the employment figures was particularly strong in mechanical engineering, the largest of the main sectors of the technology industry, in which the number of employees is now at its highest level since the financial crisis. Employee counts also grew in the metals industry and consulting engineering.
Staff numbers in electronics and electrotechnical industry remained practically unchanged. On the other hand, the number of people in the employ of information technology companies continued to decline, but turnover in the sector saw year-on-year growth of 10 per cent in January–August.
Stronger order books, driven by shipyards
At the end of September, the value of the order books of technology industry companies was 14 per cent higher than at the end of June and 34 per cent higher than a year earlier. Order books have now been on the rise for almost two years.
In July–September, the value of new orders rose by 19 per cent on the previous quarter and as much as 50 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025. The high order intake is due to cruise ship orders recognised during the quarter as well as the recent strong growth in the defence industry. All in all, however, the third quarter of the year can be described as good.
“The marine and defence industries have received an exceptionally high amount of large orders over the past couple of years. This, too, is an excellent trend, because these orders create work for extensive subcontracting networks and many Finnish SMEs around the country,” says Mikkonen.
The balance figure for tender requests, which indicates overall demand among companies in the technology industry, stood at +15 in October. The balance figure fell slightly from its July peak but remains high when considered from a long-term perspective. The fact that the balance figure is clearly positive indicates that the markets are active and demand is continuing to pick up.
Actual production and turnover have also risen in the technology industry. Total industrial production volume grew by four per cent year-on-year in January–August, while production in mechanical engineering was up seven per cent. Turnover for the entire technology industry grew by nine per cent in January–July and exports of goods rose by six per cent.
Susiluoto: Finland must build its economic growth on technology
Thanks to the good economic trend in the technology industry, the Finnish economy is in a better position to achieve growth. However, the risks posed by the global economy remain considerable. The business environment continues to face challenges from trade policy tensions, conflicts in the Middle East, and uncertainty about inflation and interest rate trends.
Taina Susiluoto, CEO of Technology Industries of Finland, emphasises that in order to stabilise growth, long-term and predictable economic policy is necessary.
“Finland now needs an ambitious vision of how economic growth will be generated in the years ahead. Our greatest ace in the hole comprises technology and our ability to make good use of it. Finland’s robust growth will be built on new technologies and low-carbon solutions, and the innovations and investments they create. We must do everything we can to ensure that these investments and the jobs they create will come to Finland,” Susiluoto says.
The next government must take decisive action to bolster Finland’s competitiveness and preconditions for growth. Companies need a stable and predictable operating environment that encourages investment, innovation and job creation.
“Growth cannot be achieved without a high standard of expertise, research and investments. Finland must enhance its educational standards, ensure the availability of experts, and see to it that research leads to new innovations and international business. The next government must not make cuts that would compromise the preconditions for growth if it wants to ensure that the Finnish economy will flourish sustainably,” says Susiluoto.
Further information
Mikkonen Hanne
Senior Economist – Economic Development and Investment Technology Industries of Finland