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Newsletter of the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute  |  19.11.2024  

We proudly present the accomplishments of our staff! Read also about our publications and projects and dive into blogs! 

Stanford University/Elsevier's Top 2% of Global Scientist Atef Hamada makes groundbreaking contributions to advanced manufacturing techniques 

Metallurgist Atef Hamada from the University of Oulu has been named among the top 2% of scientists in the world in the prestigious Stanford University/Elsevier ranking, joining an elite group of researchers whose work is driving significant advances across scientific fields. This recognition highlights Hamada’s groundbreaking contributions to advanced manufacturing techniques, with a focus on additive manufacturing and laser welding of advanced high-strength steels—technologies that are reshaping industries worldwide. 

Immigrant entrepreneurship researcher, multi talent Nafisa Yeasmin appointed MicroENTRE® Development Manager at the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute 

Martti Saarela appointed Research Director of the MicroENTRE® Micro-Entrepreneurship Centre – aims to strengthen partnerships and contribute to society  

Doctor of Engineering Antti Järvenpää has been awarded the title of Docent - shares expertise in material-based steel research 

New professorship strengthens micro-entrepreneurship research and education at the University of Oulu – Robert van der Have appointed as an assistant professor 

NEWS

North Ostrobothnia receives 3.2 M€ for innovations that enhance machine and automotive technology 

The consortium, consisting of six organisations researching and educating machine and automotive engineering in Northern Ostrobothnia, received EUR 3.2 million in funding from the European Union's Just Transition Fund (JTF). The two-year Innovations That Enhance Machine and Vehicle Technologies (KATI) project focuses on emission-free energy sources related to mechanical and automotive engineering and the autonomy of equipment. 

Mobile phone tracking data unlocks the geography of mobility in cities - Transformative Cities' first policy recommendations published 

Mobile phone tracking data can help to better understand the dynamics of mobility in cities and to develop more sustainable forms of mobility. More advanced models will combine data to measure mobility more accurately. This will provide a knowledge base for urban planning that can contribute to the uptake of sustainable mobility modes. The aim is to promote the design of more sustainable urban environments and support the objectives of Finland's Recovery and Restoration Plan towards carbon neutrality and climate resilience. 

Kerttu Saalasti seminar: a look at cooperation to strengthen business and industry - MYRY's President was honoured 

In her greeting to the Kerttu Saalasti seminar in Ylivieska on 20 September 2024, Minister of Science and Culture Sari Multala explained how the government's billion-euro investment will affect the development of cooperation between researchers and entrepreneurs. The Kerttu Saalasti Prize was also awarded for the fourth time at the seminar. This year, the prize was awarded to Liisa Hanén, founder and president of the Micro- and Sole Entrepreneurs MYRY Association. 

LuovAIn! project helps people of the creative and cultural sector find their place in the changing world of artificial intelligence 

The people of the creative and cultural sector are often micro or small entrepreneurs, so they may not have the networks and training needed to identify and adopt the latest AI tools. Launched in spring 2024, the AI in the Creative and Cultural Ecosystem – LuovAIn! project aims to develop the AI awareness and skills of these entrepreneurs. The project will bring new AI tools to the forefront through piloting, with the aim of promoting the use of AI in innovation. 

Statistical review of micro enterprises MY Tilastot have been updated: turnover of micro enterprises still falling, turnover of all enterprises continued to rise 

The annual Statistical review of micro enterprises MY Tilastot published by the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, has been updated with the latest statistics of 2022. MY Tilastot provides sectoral, economic, employment and export data on Finnish micro-enterprises. According to the review, the number of micro-enterprises has increased, but turnover and jobs are declining. 

The Desire to Solve Problems Increasingly Influences Young People’s Decision to Become Entrepreneurs 

What motivates young people to become entrepreneurs? Is it money or meaningful work? Interest in entrepreneurship among young people has grown significantly in recent years, with approximately half now wanting to try running a business at some point in their careers. Studies show that young people are no longer primarily motivated by financial gain but rather seek to make their dreams come true and make a societal impact in meaningful ways. 

MakeLearn, TIIM & PIConf Conference Recognizes University of Oulu Researchers in Poland 

The conference paper "Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) in Microenterprises" by Kai Hänninen, Osmo Kauppila, and Matti Muhos received the Best Paper Award at the annual international MakeLearn, TIIM & PIConf conference held in Lublin, Poland, in late May 2024. This year’s conference theme focused on the application of artificial intelligence to accelerate sustainable development across various fields of human activity, technology, and economics. 

A wide range of people interested in 3D printing gathered at the FMT Days 

The Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) research group of the Kerttu Saalasti Institute of the University of Oulu celebrated its 20th anniversary on 28.-29.5.2024 with the theme "3D printing of large parts". About sixty researchers, experts and entrepreneurs interested in the topic attended the event at the Nivala Technology Centre. The event highlighted the sense of community created by the ecosystem formed around this theme. 

PUBLICATIONS

Fear of failure and perceived lack of entrepreneurial skills prevent women from becoming entrepreneurs 

A recent study published in the Journal of Northern Studies highlights the ongoing gender gap in entrepreneurial potential in Finland over the past decades, despite the country's high standing in global gender equality rankings. The research utilized data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) from the years 2003, 2009, 2015, and 2021, analyzing start-up intentions, fear of failure, and perceived entrepreneurial skills among different age groups. The study was written by Martti Saarela, Pauliina Björk, Ossi Kotavaara and Matti Muhos from the Kerttu Saalasti Institute at the University of Oulu, and of Mervi Heikkinen from the Faculty of Education and Psychology at the University of Oulu. 

New ways to utilize industrial side streams in water purification materials 

The study which aims to develop and study water purification materials has been published in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. The purpose of the research conducted by Dr. Johanna Laukkanen, Ph.D. in Technology, University of Oulu's Kerttu Saalasti Institute, and an international team, is to find methods, especially for mining areas, to keep the environment clean despite industrial activities. At the same time, new methods can be used to develop water purification methods and significantly reduce the water purification capacity of companies on an annual basis. 

Small enterprises play a strong role in the green transition and regional security of supply in Upper and Eastern Kainuu 

Micro and small enterprises are key players in the green transition and Finland's security of supply. A new publication from the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute examines the role of small businesses in Upper and Eastern Kainuu in the strategic guidance of the green transition and security of supply in Finland. The context of a rural and sparsely populated resource periphery offers a new perspective on the significance of micro and small businesses in these themes. 

Resilience is a Key Resource for Entrepreneurs 

Resilience is an essential skill and resource for businesses and entrepreneurs. Crises in the recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have further increased the significance of resilience also in the European business landscape. The importance of resilience becomes especially emphasized during crises and unexpected situations. In those the lack of it can lead to significant financial losses or even bankruptcy. A recent publication from the Kerttu Saalasti Institute at the University of Oulu delves into this topic. 

INTERNATIONAL ONLINE COURSES

Arctic attitude meets Latin American culture: Research-based international business management education starts 

Research-based education helps to understand current and future global challenges and to find innovative solutions for businesses. The partners see that MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course) have become the much-needed way of organizing and scaling online courses, for growing careers and sustaining competition in education markets. Free online courses can be helpful to become employable for global markets and get an in-depth idea in managing teams and sustainable businesses. In the ACOT (Arctic & Cerrado Online Training) project three courses will be created and piloted. After the piloting phase, the target is to open them for further use. 

BLOG

Context Smartness for Growth Management 

Teachers inspire entrepreneurship - are young people interested in entrepreneurship in North Ostrobothnia? 

The 18th National Entrepreneurship Education Days were organized by the Association for Research in Entrepreneurship Education in cooperation with EduFutura Jyväskylä at the end of September. The theme of the conference was Responsible and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education. At the Entrepreneurship Education Days, researchers, teachers and practitioners presented and discussed current research and themes in entrepreneurship education.

EU sustainability regulation also affects small businesses 

Responsibility and sustainability are everywhere these days - sometimes with strong emotions, often negative ones. But sustainability is a topic that entrepreneurs will not be able to avoid in the future to survive in a changing world. It is therefore worth taking a moment now to think about how it will affect your business and whether you could start preparing for it now. 

Wood Construction - Climate action and self-sufficient business 

Why is the use of wood in construction a topical issue right now? Is increasing use of wood in conflict with forest protection objectives? Is promoting the use of wood a statement against the use of other building materials? Finland's building law is being reformed, and this will emphasize the need to consider the climate impact of buildings throughout their life cycle. Wood is a domestic raw material which, if further processed, could also generate substantial export revenues. 

The power of working together - Kerttu Saalasti seminar talked and worked in networks 

The importance of networks in entrepreneurship and business development is undeniable. Multi-level networks can bring added value to entrepreneurship and building and exploiting them is critical, especially for micro and SMEs. In the Kerttu Saalasti seminar "Let's work together - How networks and partnerships develop entrepreneurship?" 20.9.2024 provided a comprehensive overview of the different ways of working in networks. The seminar also put the presentations into practice by holding networking events at themed coffee tables. 

A Journey into the World of Battery Reuse 

Battery recycling operations involve a significant amount of bureaucracy and require specialized expertise in business consulting. As both heavy and light traffic electrifies, the battery recycling business and battery repair services are expected to become more common, and business services should be familiar with the requirements of the sector. 

Changing the world through action - the sky is not the limit 

Nivala is one of the best cities in Finland according to the Entrepreneurs' Business Survey 2024. The city has succeeded in creating an entrepreneurial environment where success is no coincidence. But what is the secret of this success? At the Back to Work and KASVA Karkelot event, we found out. 

Growth means attitude, competence, motivation and planning 

The faces of growth are quite diverse. According to the MY Statistics statistical review, most enterprises in Finland, over 95%, are micro-enterprises, and of these, rapid growth can be found mainly in growth centres and in a few areas outside growth centres. 

What is a Microenterprise? Precise concepts make research clearer 

In research, the precise definition of concepts is essential, and the study of micro-entrepreneurship is no exception. The clarity of concepts has a critical impact on the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of research. It ensures that researchers understand terms in the same way and that the research is clearly linked to its theoretical framework. In micro-entrepreneurship research, it is particularly important to define what is meant by a micro-enterprise and micro-entrepreneurship. 

Landscapes and insights for research – a conference trip to Norway 

Santeri Halonen attended the Arctic Congress in Bodø, Norway, from May 29th to June 1st. The trip was made possible by a grant from UArctic. The experience was fantastic and the content was valuable. Halonen presented his research in a conference session that focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), SMEs, and sustainable economic development in the Arctic region. 

The Unbearable Lightness of Artificial Intelligence 

Artificial intelligence is like a double-edged sword — it offers endless possibilities but also raises profound ethical questions. The "lightness" of AI lies in its ability to process vast amounts of data and produce content quickly. However, this lightness becomes "unbearable" when considering the truthfulness of AI-generated content and its societal impact. 

Collaborative Networking Requires Active Engagement 

The world of work has significantly changed over the past decade. Operating environments and technologies are constantly evolving, especially for those engaged in information-intensive and expert work. Consequently, individual-centric work is shifting towards network-based collaboration, where individuals or organizations create and maintain relationships to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities, and to learn together. 

Food Producers Should Communicate Their Social Responsibility to the Public 

Nivala is one of the best cities in Finland according to the Entrepreneurs' Business Survey 2024. The city has succeeded in creating an entrepreneurial environment where success is no coincidence. But what is the secret of this success? At the Back to Work and KASVA Karkelot event, we found out. 

Micro and small businesses need support for responsible marketing 

The importance of sustainability has grown enormously in recent years, and this mega-trend is affecting more and more businesses. In addition to large companies, micro and small enterprises have also started to pay attention to the principles of sustainability in their business. In this blog post, I review my Master´s thesis, which focuses on the practices, challenges and opportunities of responsible marketing in Finnish micro and small enterprises. 

Oulu's European Capital of Culture year radiates creativity to the whole of North Ostrobothnia 

Oulu has been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2026 together with 39 partner municipalities. This is a great opportunity to develop not only the regional centre, but also the rural areas around Oulu and revitalise their economies. It is a fact that the surrounding municipalities expect the CoC2026 year to be seen and heard locally through cultural events. These events and the new cultural activities that accompany them can boost cultural tourism in the long term. The influx of international and domestic tourists is hoped to stimulate the supply of both cultural services and tourism and catering industries throughout the North Ostrobothnia beyond the 2026 year of celebration. 

Growth outside growth centres 

For the development of municipalities and regions, it is essential that there are, and will be, developing companies in the area. Growth companies do not come out of nowhere. Growth requires the will and ability of the entrepreneur and the decision to grow. In addition, the right kind of soil is needed for growth, which is why decision-making and public business services in the state, regions and municipalities also have a role to play in building the conditions for growth. There are many definitions of growth. Some entrepreneurs speak directly about the desire to grow, while others prefer to talk about developing a business rather than growth. Growth is development and development is growth. Growth is success in development efforts, i.e. the result of doing the right thing. 

Opportunities for regions in industrial tourism - what is Nivala like as a tourist destination? 

For the development of municipalities and regions, it is essential that there are, and will be, developing companies in the area. Growth companies do not come out of nowhere. Growth requires the will and ability of the entrepreneur and the decision to grow. In addition, the right kind of soil is needed for growth, which is why decision-making and public business services in the state, regions and municipalities also have a role to play in building the conditions for growth. There are many definitions of growth. Some entrepreneurs speak directly about the desire to grow, while others prefer to talk about developing a business rather than growth. Growth is development and development is growth. Growth is success in development efforts, i.e. the result of doing the right thing. 

INTRODUCING EMPLOYEES

Heikki Ailinpieti: Passionate About Product Development

Virpi Pietikäinen: The University Has Strong Appeal

Mahmoud Khedr: Life and learning in Finland – my journey at the University of Oulu, FMT group 

Anne-Mari Riikonen: From school bench to working on sustainable development of agricultural by-products 

Iikka Meriläinen: Interdisciplinary Approaches Towards Novel Knowledge on New Venture Legitimation 

Heidi Pasanen: Steps towards new rural opportunities 

Sanna Ojalammi: On the path of natural resources research at the Kerttu Saalasti Institute at the University of Oulu 

I started my work as a project researcher in the Regional Excellence (REx) research group of University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute 8.4.2024. I work as a researcher on the AGEMERA project, which is a large-scale consortium research project. The project aims to find out the potential of critical raw materials in Finland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Zambia, Poland, and Germany. The first pilot surveys on the social acceptability of mineral exploration have been carried out by the University of Lapland in 2023 in Rovaniemi and Kuusamo, Finland, and in the study area of five different countries. 

FAREWELL BLOG 

Anna-Mari Simunaniemi: Researching Micro-Entrepreneurship with an Entrepreneurial Heart 

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