Christian Grönroos is Professor of Marketing at Hanken School of Economics, recognized among the top marketing researchers globally. His pioneering work established service marketing theory and the service logic paradigm. Research focuses on value co-creation frameworks, relationship marketing evolution, and service-driven business model innovation. Publications have transformed understanding of customer management and service productivity. Awards include the Don Schultz Award (2025) and AMS-Parasuraman Best Paper Award. Recent work examines service-informed marketing reform and employee alignment in brand promise co-creation.
Eero Vaara serves as a Visiting Distinguished Professor in the Department of Management Studies at Aalto University, where his research centers on organizational and strategic change through discursive and narrative lenses. His work critically examines strategy processes, radical transformations like mergers and acquisitions, institutional legitimation, multinational corporation dynamics, and historical perspectives on management. His research interests encompass organizational change, strategic discourse, narrative analysis, institutional theory, and multinational corporate identity. Vaara investigates how language constructs organizational realities during crises, mergers, and cross-cultural interactions, with particular attention to power dynamics in identity politics and the role of historical narratives in strategic renewal. His scholarship bridges theoretical rigor with practical implications for managing complex change in global contexts. Recent publications (2020-2022) reveal consistent thematic focus across top management journals including Academy of Management Journal and Strategic Management Journal. Key trends include the interplay of language and social inequality during global crises like COVID-19, entrepreneurial phenomena in isolated economies such as North Korea, strategic ambiguity in organizational protection, and national identity construction within multinational corporations. His methodological innovations integrate critical discourse analysis with computational approaches like structural topic modeling. Scientific awards highlight his scholarly impact: Best Article Finalist 2023 (Academy of Management Discoveries) 2014 OMT Best Published Paper Award for advancing theoretical understanding of organizations While specific advising relationships and grant funding details aren't documented in the source material, Vaara's collaborative publications demonstrate extensive international research partnerships. His work with scholars across Europe and North America indicates active supervision of doctoral research and leadership in multinational research consortia, particularly in discourse-focused organizational studies. Though laboratory affiliations aren't specified, his methodological work suggests engagement with digital humanities research groups and discourse analysis laboratories, especially evident in publications combining computational text analysis with critical theoretical frameworks.
Henrikki Tikkanen is a Full Professor of Business Administration (Marketing) at Aalto University School of Business since 2004, holding the A. I. Virtanen Professorship in Consumer Research since 2017. Previously, he served as a tenured Full Professor at Stockholm University (2013–2016) and held roles at multiple Finnish universities. His research focuses on strategy, leadership, strategic marketing, and business history, with notable work on Nokia, Valmet, and Stora Enso. He has supervised over 20 doctoral students and led large-scale research projects totaling over €6 million in funding. Tikkanen also serves as Director of the DBA Program at Aalto University Executive Education and has extensive executive education and consulting experience. Education: Doctoral degree in Humanities (Business History), University of Jyväskylä (2020) Doctoral degree in Business and Economics, Turku School of Economics (1997) Licentiate and Master's degrees in Business and Economics, Turku School of Economics (1996–1995) Research Interests: Strategy, leadership, strategic marketing, business history, organizational history, and industrial networks. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary business challenges, particularly in Nordic industries. Key Awards: Best Paper Award, BAI 2007 Emerald Best Practical Implications Award (2012) Doctoral Thesis Supervisor of the Year 2014 Grants & Projects: Led major projects funded by the Academy of Finland, Tekes, and others, focusing on topics like leadership history, B2B marketing, and organizational transformation. Labs/Teams: Involved in Aalto's DBA Program and executive education initiatives, contributing to interdisciplinary research groups across business and humanities.
Samuli Patala serves as an Assistant Professor specializing in sustainability within business contexts, explicitly affiliated with the Department of Management Studies. His research directly advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through investigations into circular economy frameworks and sustainable resource governance, with particular emphasis on systemic transitions in industrial systems. Patala's research portfolio centers on circular economy meta-organizing, value chain reconfiguration, and cross-sector partnership dynamics. He examines institutional interfaces where global formal policies interact with local informal practices, alongside place-based innovation ecosystems that drive sustainability transitions. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks in institutional theory with practical business applications for resource-intensive industries. Analysis of his publication trajectory since 2016 reveals escalating scholarly impact, with his 2023 problematizing review of circular economy assumptions accumulating 69 Scopus citations. His research demonstrates methodological diversity—from configurational analyses of partnership portfolios to stakeholder interviews for data-driven circular systems—while maintaining thematic focus on value creation, resource governance, and systemic barriers in sectors like textiles and energy. His scientific recognition includes: Carolyn B. Dexter Award for Best International Paper (2018) Distinguished Winner of 2023 Responsible Research in Management Award ONE Unorthodox Paper Award (2018) Patala currently leads three major research initiatives as principal investigator: the Academy of Finland-funded Circular Design Network project (2021-2022), Business Finland's BF/SciSustain E70602 (2024-2026) focusing on biocolourants and sustainable materials, and the ongoing SA/GloWater project (2024-2027) addressing global water management challenges. These projects demonstrate his commitment to translating theoretical insights into actionable sustainability solutions through industry-academia collaboration and policy engagement.
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUTFinland
Ari Jantunen is a Professor in Strategy Research at the LUT Business School, LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland. He is affiliated with the Department of Business Studies and has been actively contributing to academic research in strategic management and organizational behavior. University: LUT University School: LUT Business School Department: Business Studies Position: Professor, Strategy Research Email: Ari.Jantunen@lut.fi He earned his D.Sc. (Econ.) from Lappeenranta University of Technology in 2005, establishing a long-standing academic career focused on strategic change and innovation. Ari Jantunen’s research centers on strategic change and renewal, organizational cognition, dynamic capabilities, dominant logic, and industry dynamics . His work explores how managerial cognition influences strategic decisions and organizational performance, particularly in industries undergoing transformation such as media, energy, and forest sectors. He also investigates sustainability strategies, the circular bioeconomy, and corporate social performance. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in using cognitive mapping, qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), and simulation modeling to understand strategic phenomena. Articles on dominant logic, strategic renewal, and cognitive diversity highlight his focus on the cognitive underpinnings of strategic management. Among his notable works are studies on the bioeconomy transition in the pulp and paper industry, innovation races in high-tech sectors, and the interplay between corporate social and financial performance. Jantunen has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Anni Tuppura, Satu Pätäri, Kalevi Kyläheiko, and Anssi Tarkiainen, often co-authoring studies in journals like European Management Journal , Journal of Business Research , and Futures . Ari Jantunen is actively engaged in research and supervision, though no specific students are listed in the provided sources. He does not appear to have received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards, but his consistent publication record in high-impact journals underscores his academic contributions. He has been involved in interdisciplinary research projects, particularly those examining the interface between the energy and forest sectors, the diffusion of energy services, and innovation in cleantech firms. His work often combines theoretical rigor with practical insights, contributing to both academic discourse and industry applications.
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUTFinland
Juhani Ukko is a Full Professor (tenured) at the Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), affiliated with the LUT School of Engineering Sciences and the Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) department. His research focuses on digital transformation, sustainability strategies, and performance measurement systems in SMEs, with particular emphasis on Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies, smart manufacturing, and supply chain governance. He has extensively studied the interplay between digital innovation, environmental impact, and organizational renewal. Key research themes include digital twin applications in business ecosystems, IoT-driven social sustainability, and leveraging performance measurement frameworks to enhance sustainability performance. His work frequently addresses SME challenges in adopting smart technologies, overcoming institutional barriers, and achieving financial and environmental sustainability. Recent publications (2024–2025) highlight trends in digital business ecosystems, hybrid work environments, and the role of certification in total quality management. Notable contributions include studies on co-creation mechanisms in digital service supply chains, the impact of leadership on organizational performance, and the strategic use of real-time simulation for sustainable production. Dr. Ukko’s research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, often collaborating with industry partners. His CV and Google Scholar profile are publicly available for detailed insights into his academic contributions and collaborative projects.
Marco Volpe is a Visiting Researcher at the Arctic Centre and Doctoral Researcher in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lapland, specializing in the Arctic in a Changing World doctoral programme. His ORCID identifier is 0009-0004-8262-1341 . His research focuses on international political science, particularly China's Arctic engagement and science diplomacy mechanisms. Key research areas include Arctic security, high seas governance, and cross-regional comparisons between the Arctic and the Third Pole (Hindu Kush Himalaya). He explores themes like sovereignty discourses, environmental governance, and China's evolving foreign policy strategies in polar regions. His recent work highlights trends in science diplomacy frameworks, inter-polar collaboration, and the implications of Chinese domestic discourse on Arctic policy. Notable publications analyze China's Arctic strategies, the interplay between high seas governance and security dynamics, and the environmental dimensions of cross-regional linkages. Scientific Award: Recipient of the PhD Project - Comparative Analysis of China's Arctic and Antarctic Science Diplomacy award in 2023. Volpe co-led the EDUFI-funded project Comparative Analysis of China's Arctic and Antarctic Science Diplomacy (2022). His activities include participation in international conferences on polar governance, collaborative research with institutions like the Korea Polar Research Institute, and academic engagements in Korea and other regions. He is affiliated with the Arctic Centre, a hub for interdisciplinary Arctic research, and contributes to debates on global environmental policies and geopolitical dynamics in polar regions.
Taija Turunen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Management Studies, Aalto University. Her research focuses on service innovation and business models, strategic management, and organizational dynamics. She explores topics such as service platforms, competitive dynamics, and strategic renewal. Contact: taija.turunen@aalto.fi . Areas of expertise include Service Innovation and Business Models, Service Design, and Strategic Renewal. Her work emphasizes the intersection of technology, organizational behavior, and institutional challenges in business ecosystems. Recent research highlights include studies on moral dialogue in organizations, embodied identity work, and ecosystem-level business models. Key themes in her publications (2016–2025) include digital innovation barriers, transformative governance of ecosystems, and value creation in complex networks. She has contributed to understanding how organizations navigate institutional challenges and leverage technology for strategic advantage. No scientific awards are mentioned, but her work is widely cited in strategic management and service innovation literature. No advising or grant information is provided in the text. Her research often involves cross-disciplinary collaborations, particularly in analyzing service ecosystems and organizational resilience.
Matti Liski is a Professor of Economics at Aalto University School of Business, with affiliations at MIT-CEEPR, University of Cambridge EPRG, CESifo Munich, and former visiting professorship at Toulouse School of Economics. His work bridges theoretical and empirical microeconomics with applications in industrial organization, public policy, energy markets, and climate change. He has served on editorial boards of Scandinavian Journal of Economics and Journal of European Economic Association , and is recognized for excellence in teaching (2009, 2023) and refereeing (2015). Research trends from his recent publications highlight electricity market design, climate policy conflicts between EU and national frameworks, redistribution mechanisms via energy efficiency mandates, and empirical analyses of renewable energy's market impacts. His work combines game theory, resource economics, and policy evaluation to address market power, sustainability transitions, and climate strategies. Awards : Teacher of the Year (Helsinki School of Economics, 2009; Aalto University, 2023) Best Paper Award (2016, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management) Excellence in Refereeing (2015, Journal of the European Economic Association)
Riikka Tapaninaho is a University Instructor at Tampere University's Faculty of Management and Business, specializing in Business Studies. Her work bridges academic research and practical application in sustainable value creation and stakeholder relationships. Research Focus: She contributes to projects like Business to Nature (B2N) and CICAT2025 Circular Economy Catalysts , exploring how businesses align with sustainability goals. Her research group, RESPMAN , investigates stakeholder dynamics in sustainable transitions. Teaching: Courses include Sidosryhmäteoria ja -johtaminen (Stakeholder Theory and Management) and Henkilöstöjohtamisen ajankohtaisia teemoja (Current Themes in Personnel Management). Her pedagogy integrates sustainability into business practices. Contact: riikka.tapaninaho@tuni.fi
Tuomo Eloranta is a University Teacher at Aalto University's School of Science, specializing in organizational behavior and information systems with a focus on workplace dynamics and innovation processes in Finnish contexts. His research examines critical organizational phenomena through multiple lenses: Adaptation mechanisms of knowledge workers during remote work transitions, particularly pandemic-induced shifts Transformative potential of change resistance as a strategic resource in organizational renewal Customer insight generation through digital channels for service innovation Evolutionary patterns in technology adoption for idea management systems Analysis of his 2014-2023 publications reveals consistent methodological emphasis on Finnish case studies, blending qualitative depth with practical organizational applications. His work bridges theoretical frameworks in organizational behavior with actionable insights for workplace transformation, particularly in engineering education and service-oriented industries. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. The available information does not specify student supervision activities or externally funded research grants.
Natalia Vuori serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Aalto University, where her research bridges strategic management, organizational behavior, and innovation science. Her current work examines emotional dynamics in organizational processes, heuristic applications in strategic decision-making, and the transformative impact of generative AI on firm performance and strategizing. Dr. Vuori's research program investigates how emotional structuring influences innovation activities and post-acquisition integration, while her recent publications explore the dual effects of emotional and cognitive trust in AI adoption contexts. She examines how heuristics interact with causal knowledge during infrequent organizational processes like mergers, and analyzes how professional expertise diversity either enhances or constrains creative engagement. Her work consistently reveals the psychological underpinnings of strategic phenomena through rigorous empirical analysis. Analysis of her publication trajectory (2019-2025) shows increasing focus on artificial intelligence's organizational implications, particularly generative AI's social-psychological dynamics in strategy work. This evolution complements her foundational work on emotional practices in innovation and multi-speed integration approaches in mergers and acquisitions, demonstrating consistent theoretical advancement in understanding human cognition within strategic processes. Her scientific recognition includes: Winner of the 2025 SAP Best Paper Award for generative AI research Finalist for the 2020 SAP Best Paper Award Robert J. Litschert Best Doctoral Student Paper Award (2011) Multiple Academy of Management conference awards including Newman Award (2014) and Best Dissertation Paper Award (2014) Strategic Management Society Best PhD Paper Prize (2010) While specific grant details aren't provided in source materials, her award-winning publications in Journal of Management Studies, Academy of Management Annals, and Strategic Management Journal suggest substantial research funding. Her work demonstrates consistent collaboration with scholars like Timo Vuori, Quy N. Huy, and Tomi Laamanen across multiple projects. Current research directions indicate deepening exploration of human-AI interaction frameworks, particularly examining trust dynamics and performance implications in organizational settings, while maintaining her signature focus on emotional and cognitive aspects of strategic processes.
Pekka Töytäri is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Aalto University. He holds a Doctoral degree in Engineering and Technology from Aalto University (2015) and a Master's degree in Engineering and Technology from Helsinki University of Technology (1989). His research focuses on business models, ecosystems, value innovation, and digital transformation. He has contributed to projects such as 'MIDAS: Mastering the Next Industrial Revolution' and the EU-funded 'ATARCA/Töytäri' initiative. Key research areas include business ecosystems, value-based pricing, service innovation, and blockchain applications in decentralized markets. His work emphasizes organizational capabilities, institutional foundations of business models, and strategic alignment in industrial contexts. He has published extensively on topics like collective action signaling, inter-organizational collaboration, and digital transformation in asset-intensive industries. Recent projects highlight his engagement with autonomous systems, smart service adoption, and blockchain-based data markets. His contributions bridge theory and practice, addressing challenges in implementing value-based strategies and overcoming institutional barriers in industrial markets. Media appearances include discussions on value creation and ethical business practices.
Andrea Botero Cabrera is an Associate Professor at Aalto University's Department of Design, where she leads the INUSE research group focusing on designer-user relations in socio-technical change. She also serves as Adjunct Professor at Universidad de los Andes' Faculty of Architecture and Design in Bogotá, Colombia, and as Guest Professor at Aalborg University's Centre for Sustainable and Digital Transformation. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Master of Arts in Product and Strategic Design, Aalto University Doctor of Arts in New Media, Aalto University Her research explores participatory design at the intersection of science and technology studies, transformative creative practice, and social innovation. She investigates how collectives shape design spaces and create environments for relational, caring interactions across people, collectives, and environments. Her funded projects include European Union initiatives, Finnish Research Council grants, and Aalto University seed funding. She teaches courses on design research, collaborative techniques, and doctoral thesis analysis while supervising MA and DA researchers continuously. Her recent publications focus on participatory design methodologies, decolonization in design, feral mapping experiments, and wearable technologies for environmental entanglement. She co-founded the collective design research studio Suo&co and contributes to Finnish NGO Ninho ry and Colombian NGO Utopiabio regarding diversity and community development.
Kari Hyytiäinen is a Professor at the University of Helsinki , affiliated with the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Economics and Management . He also serves as Vice-Dean for Community Relations at the Faculty of Forestry and Agriculture. His research focuses on marine protection economics , particularly the Baltic Sea ecosystem , integrating agronomy , forestry , and sustainability science into policy frameworks. Research interests include: Cost-efficient marine conservation strategies Climate change mitigation in agricultural systems Policy instruments for nutrient load reduction Blue economy and offshore wind sustainability Trade-offs in land-use and diet-environment interactions Publication trends reveal a focus on agricultural carbon dynamics , marine policy , and socioeconomic scenario analysis , often addressing the Baltic Sea 's unique challenges. His work bridges ecological modeling with economic optimization to inform sustainable governance. Grants and projects include leadership in the Research Council of Finland 's Strategic Research Council-funded " Water & Food Futures " (2024–2027) and participation in the Leg4Life legume sustainability project (2019–2025). Earlier initiatives like " Wild Cards in the Baltic Sea " (2025) highlight his scenario-based approach to environmental risk. Peer reviews and public engagements demonstrate his commitment to science communication, including media appearances on MTV3 Huomenta Suomi (2023) and contributions to national sustainability dialogues.
