This article presents an overview of the establishment of key institutions and societal structures that have supported the long-term development of futures studies and foresight capacity in Finland since 1980’s to present day. The five founding pillars of the current Finnish Futures field are introduced. Firstly, the Finnish Society for Futures Studies has brought together researchers and practitioners since 1980. Secondly, the establishment of the academic discipline of Futures Studies has taken major steps since the founding of Finland Futures Research Centre at the University of Turku in 1992. Thirdly, the national foresight network has evolved from ministries foresight network to wider ecosystem of foresight practitioners since 2005. Fourthly, the futures dialogues between the government and parliament have been going on since 1993. Fifthly, the Committee for the Future in the Finnish Parliament has a key role in increasing future-orientation in parliamentary decision-making. Finally, the importance of persistence, curiosity and creativity of individuals and organisations is emphasised.