The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service renews its strategy to respond to an uncertain security environment

The security situation has deteriorated, and the geopolitical tensions are rising. Russian aggressions will continue, China is increasing its influence, and the international position of the United States is shifting. Finland’s foreign and security policy leadership will have to operate under increasingly complex decision-making situations. The growing demand for intelligence and its increasing importance is an international trend that also applies to Finland. To respond to changes in the security environment, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO) has renewed its strategy. 

Any threats to national security concern the state administration as a whole. From SUPO, increased effectiveness requires a good understanding of customer needs. SUPO’s international partnerships play a key role in supporting Finland’s foreign and security policy decision-making and developing intelligence diplomacy. The new working methods and technologies – such as artificial intelligence, the agility of the private sector, the increasing volume of data and digital traceability – require from SUPO the capability to renew itself. SUPO needs to streamline its operations, adopt novel ways of thinking, make good use of expertise and unify its management. A prerequisite for the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service’s success is having committed personnel with diverse skills.

Seven key changes at the core of SUPO’s strategy

1. Intelligence-driven approach guides our work.
2. We plan our intelligence collection as a single entity.
3. We direct our international cooperation with effectiveness as our goal.
4. We make efficient use of technology.
5. High-quality leadership guarantees excellent performance.
6. We ensure the continued development of our skills and expertise.
7. Guidance provided for civilian intelligence and understanding customer needs support the effectiveness of intelligence.