Achieving the Goals in an Unstable World Situation: Geological Survey of Finland`s Year 2023

GTK wants to be one of the best geo survey organisations in the world, producing impartial and objective research data and services in support of decision-making in industry, academia, and wider society to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral world.

The implementation of the 2020-2023 strategy was successfully completed last year. Stakeholder and customer feedback shows that the strategic goals had been set successfully.

The strategy for years 2024-2027 was completed in late 2023. The strategy preparation process was broadly inclusive, with special attention paid to foresight, creating a vision for the future, as well as changes in the operating environment and identifying the opportunities they offer. Alongside the strategy, GTK’s cultural map was completed, which includes GTK’s values and operating models.

During the year GTK played a key role in the preparation of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) related to the availability of critical raw materials. Responsibility for the preparation of the national mineral strategy was assigned to GTK.

With regard to the development of premises, the operating year was busy. The construction of GTK Mintec’s laboratory and office facilities in Outokumpu proceeded mainly as planned, and the new facilities will be ready during 2024. The design of the new GTK Mintec, a pilot plant for the mineral economy and circular economy of minerals, proceeded during the year of operation. GTK Mintec plays a key role in accelerating the green transition and the measures required by the Critical Raw Materials Act.

Preparations to increase the capacity of the national drilling core archive in Loppi were completed. We have been involved in premises projects in accordance with the State Premises Strategy.

In terms of research funding, success in high-quality funding applications was again very good during the year 2023. The role of international operations has continued to strengthen.

From a financial point of view, the operation year was challenging. The general increase in the cost level, as well as the increased wage costs, had a significant impact on the costs. During the year, the achievement of the objectives of commercial and co-funded research activities was ensured. The result of GTK’s revenue-funded operations exceeded the set target of approximately EUR 20.7 million.

The starting point for the new strategy period is a situation where competence competition continues to tighten and uncertainty in the operating environment increases. GTK’s readiness for flexible work, excellent success in obtaining high-quality research funding and modern, developing RDI infrastructure create a good foundation for future success.

Further information

Samu Valpola, Director, Finance and Management System
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
tel. +358 29 503 5245
samu.valpola@gtk.fi