Nordic embassies to co-host ‘Nordic+KoreaInnovation Days 2025’ week in mid-May 

The Nordic Embassies in Korea — Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden — will co-host a week-long ‘Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025’ event from May 13th to May 18th in Seoul. Under the theme, ‘Nordic+Korea Innovation for Resilient Societies’, the event will serve as a platform boosting dialogue on resilience across the five areas of health, security, equality, prosperity, and happiness.

During the week, a plenary session on resilience and innovation will be held on May 13th at the B3 Conference Hall at the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This will be followed by thematic seminars held throughout the week in the same venue. The grand finale will be a Nordic Playground for Happiness at the Seoul Outdoor Library in front of the City Hall on May 17th and May 18th.

In collaboration with the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, the KFAS, and the Korea University Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence, the seminars will feature voices from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society, showcasing best practices and forward-thinking solutions from the Nordic region and Korea. 

On May 13th, the event kicks off with a plenary session held with participation by all Nordic embassies. Here, the Nordic Council of Ministers will present its ‘Nordic Vision 2030’ strategy and the importance of global solidarity. Representatives from the Stockholm Resilience Centre and Seoul National University will share their insight on resilience in the Nordic region and in Korea. Lastly, a cross-sector dialogue will be held with experts from the Ministry of the Interior of Finland, Hitachi Energy from Sweden, WISTA Norway, and the Technical University of Denmark on building resilience by addressing key challenges in health, security, prosperity, and equality.

On the morning of May 14th, Denmark will host a seminar on ‘Accelerating MedTech Innovation: Shaping the Future of Diagnostics and Treatment’. The session highlights perspectives on MedTech innovation, digital health solutions, and patient-centric technologies to address global challenges of aging populations, chronic diseases, and the rising costs of healthcare. It will also look at tripartite collaboration among the government, industry, and academia aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), genomics, and digital solutions to improve diagnostics and personalize therapy. Speakers include representatives from the Danish Life Science Cluster, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), Novo Nordisk, Kakao Healthcare, Angel Robotics, and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). 

In the afternoon of May 14th, Finland will host a seminar on ‘Perspectives on National Preparedness – From Crisis Management to Digital Security’. The seminar looks at how democracy may strengthen national resilience in the face of evolving global challenges. Drawing on decades of experience in security strategies spanning mental health, societal cohesion, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity, best practices and initiatives to build safer, more resilient societies will be shared. Speakers include representatives from the Ministry of the Interior of Finland, the Ministry of Interior and Safety of Korea, Erillisverkot, Safe-Net Forum, and Korea University.

On the morning of May 15th, Norway will host a seminar on ‘Innovative Change: Advancing Diversity, Inclusion, and Gender Equality in the Maritime Sector’. The session spotlights Norway’s efforts to integrate diversity, inclusion and equality into its maritime industry. Showcasing innovative technologies, forward-thinking policies, inclusive corporate practices, and insight from industry leaders championing inclusive governance, the seminar will examine how equality contributes to sustainable growth and technological advancement within the sector. Speakers include the Emeritus Secretary General of International Maritime Organization (IMO), representatives from the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), the National Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU), WISTA Norway, WISTA Korea, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

In the afternoon of May 15th, Sweden will host a seminar on ‘Electrifying the Future of Green Growth’. The session delves into Sweden’s transformative journey toward a fossil-free economy, showcasing its leadership in fostering sustainable and prosperous growth. The seminar will look at how the latest electricity transmission technology, HVDC, can provide stable and clean energy faster with less loss to the customer. It will also demonstrate how innovative use of wireless networks and AI can cut costs and increase efficiency in electrical grids. With particular focus on how to bolster collaboration between the Nordics and Korea in building a green, clean and prosperous society, speakers will include representatives from Hitachi Energy Korea, Ericsson Korea, the Energy Transition Forum, and Korea University. 

On May 17th and 18th, the embassies will operate a ‘Nordic Playground for Happiness’ at the Seoul Outdoor Library at Seoul Plaza in partnership with Seoul Library. The Nordic booth will include photo zones with beloved Nordic characters such as Moomin and Pippi Longstocking, as well as a children’s illustrated book exhibition and cultural activities.

Those interested may pre-register for the opening session and seminars through the "Upcoming Events" section on the official Nordic Talks Korea website (www.NordicTalksKorea.com). The Nordic booth at the Seoul Outdoor Library does not require prior registration. Event inquiries can be made to each embassy or via email to [email protected].

All in all, Nordic+Korea Innovation Days 2025 reflects the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Nordic Vision 2030 strategy that aims to foster a green, competitive, and socially sustainable future through international cooperation and innovation. This year's event expands upon the Nordic Talks Korea franchise launched by the embassies in 2019. Nordic Talks Korea is a flagship initiative dedicated to inspiring global problem-solving and promoting sustainable societal action through engaging dialogues.