Economy and Welfare in an Era of Strategic Competition, WELEC
In an era of strategic competition, the emphasis increasingly falls on economic and social stability, resilient approaches, intellectual capital and the ability of societies to attract investment. This programme focuses on how and by what means the economy can develop favourably and lay the foundations for prosperity in changing circumstances. The Finnish economy suffers from structural problems in terms of productivity and the scarcity of investment and research and development. Solutions need to be found to improve competitiveness, help reverse the indebtedness trend and boost productivity with a view to supporting society’s capacity, resilience and welfare. How do we boost competitiveness, attract investment and build a sustainable economy that can generate added value? How do we improve the economy in the long term and guarantee welfare services for future generations?
Research under the programme will examine productivity, develop ways to strengthen productivity and seek solutions to reform the economy and maintain prosperity. It is important that this research recognises the sustainability and welfare aspects of the economy and the rapid changes in the international operating environment. International benchmarking can provide valuable perspectives for analysing the issues involved. An interdisciplinary and interactive approach and cooperation with different stakeholders are of key importance in tackling economic and productivity issues in a systemic way.
Projects
Advancing Sustainable Economic Growth through Space Economy (SPACECONOMY)
Consortium PI: Heidi Kuusniemi, Tampere University
Consortium composition: Tampere University, University of Vaasa, University of Helsinki, University of Turku, Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI), Aalto University, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Kupla Productions
Co-Creating Sustainable and Competitive Pathways in Industrial Carbon Management for Finnish Society (CO2CREATION)
Consortium PI: Mikko Weckroth, Natural Resources Institute Finland
Consortium composition: Natural Resources Institute Finland, University of Eastern Finland, BIOS, University of Oulu, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Enhancing the productivity of integrated care with the help of AI (EPIC-AI)
Consortium PI: Juha Koivisto, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Consortium composition: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, University of Turku, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Generative AI and Digital Solutions: Enhancing Effectiveness and Productivity of Healthcare Services (GAINS)
Consortium PI: Mika Kortelainen, University of Turku
Consortium composition: University of Turku, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Aalto University
Leadership, Intangible Capital, and Innovation for AI-Driven Growth (TRANSFORM-AI)
Consortium PI: Aki Koponen, University of Turku
Consortium composition: University of Turku, University of Vaasa, University of Jyväskylä, University of Oulu, Aalto University, Tampere University, Pellervo Economic Research
