VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland promotes growth for industry and society using research and technology to create new business opportunities from global societal challenges. This core task of VTT is now strengthened by a professorship focusing on disruptive business and industrial renewal with the appointment of PhD, Adjunct Professor Nando Malmelin as Professor of Practice at VTT as of 1 March 2019.
It is critical for Finland's economic growth and employment to have successful export industry. To maintain competitiveness in the industrial sector requires agile development of new digital solutions and operational plans. To create an impact, innovation must meet business. The Professor of Practice position emphasises the bridge being built between research and working life.
"Global challenges, digitisation, various data-driven services and new kinds of ecosystemic networks are breaking down industry sectors and disrupting existing markets. As a Professor of Practice, Malmelin will focus on industrial renewal by challenging traditional approaches and utilising disruptive business. Malmelin has strong experience from both the academic world and business operations, which gives him a deep understanding of what the society and businesses need. It is great to welcome him to VTT," says Maaria Nuutinen, Vice President of the research area Business, innovation and foresight at VTT.
Nando Malmelin, PhD transfers to VTT from Aalto University School of Business, were he held a Professor of Practice position at the Department of Management Studies. He is also an Adjunct Professor in media and communication studies at the University of Helsinki.
"At VTT, I will be in a unique position to participate in the renewal of Finnish businesses through research and development. Due to companies' capacity to drive social changes, advancing the business development, management renewal and service innovations is important. In my position at VTT, I will be focusing on areas that I am most passionate about, such as creativity, innovations and strategic thinking. I am very happy to join this quickly to renewing and developing organisation. VTT has a key role to play in solving society's major problems," says Malmelin.
The professorship is in VTT's research area Business, innovation and foresight, where the objective is to develop the use of technology in boosting economic growth and improving how the society functions in a responsible, human-centred and systemic manner together with the customers.
Malmelin's other work experience and positions before Aalto University include Development Director at A-lehdet Oy, Visiting Professor at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), Member of the Board at Tampere University of Technology, and Head of Unit and Project Director at Turku School of Economics' Finland Futures Research Centre's Helsinki office. Malmelin has published books as well as award winning articles on creativity, brands, media and management in various international publications. His latest book, 'Uudistu ja kasva' (Renew and grow), was published last year.
