This article focuses on how business environment is believed to develop until the year 2015 in the two neighbouring countries Finland and Russia. It also shows the capabilities that successful business people are expected to have in business life.

The study was made by using the idea of scenario technique and inquiries that were conducted in Lahti, Finland and in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The results show many similarities between the ideas about the future business life in both countries. First, quite positive scenarios dominate both for Finland and Russia. Secondly, internationalization and globalization seem to influence business processes in both countries but this does not cause any dramatic problems for the business. Thirdly, Russia and Finland are quite close in respect to labour market and personal development and from this point of view it is essential that the indicators for the list of capabilities are so close together. Some differences were also found. On the whole, Finland seems to be much more advanced in valuing the importance of technological innovations, environmental issues, business ethics, security and social business orientation.

The most important capabilities that are needed from business people seemed to be quite the same in both countries. On top of the list, there were ability to change, communication and social skills. Entrepreneurship, initiative, comprehension and command of complex issues were also highly valued capabilities for future business people in Finland and in Russia.