RDI Theme Groups
Our RDI theme groups carry out impactful research and development projects in close collaboration with companies, higher education institutions, and regional and national partners. Our strong expertise in funding applications, project preparation, and RDI activities helps create solutions that support business growth, renewal, and regional vitality.
Together with our partners, we develop new initiatives based on research knowledge and the evolving needs of working life.
The Business Growth Theme Group
The key themes of Business Growth Theme Group include resilience, foresight, and sustainable growth, SME business development, and strengthening expertise related to artificial intelligence and digital solutions.
The Business Growth Theme Group Leader
Anne Timonen
RDI specialist
anne [dot] timonen
lab [dot] fi
lab [dot] fi
The Social Responsibility Theme Group
Social Responsibility Theme Group builds a renewing working life and socially sustainable business, with people at the heart of SMEs. We support SMEs and other organizations in developing ethical, inclusive and proactive leadership, and in embedding social responsibility into strategy and everyday practices.
Our core themes include being an attractive and retaining employer, the transformation of leadership, a diverse and inclusive workplace, human productivity and wellbeing at work, and the future of work. We deliver practical development work on equality, equity and inclusion, psychological safety and resilience, employer branding and employee experience, as well as skills foresight and continuous learning.
The Social Responsibility Theme Group Leader
Lotta Björn
RDI specialist
lotta [dot] bjornlab [dot] fi
lab [dot] fi
The Experience Economy Group
The Experience Economy team core areas of expertise lie in tourism and hospitality services, as well as event production, where we contribute to the advancement of experience-based and customer-oriented business practices. In our development work, we place strong emphasis on digitalisation, sustainability, and business renewal through collaboration and innovation.
The Experience Economy Theme Group Leader
Päivi Tommola
RDI specialist
paivi [dot] tommolalab [dot] fi
lab [dot] fi
The KIVI Group
The KIVI - Circular Economy and Climate Wisdom in Support of Sustainable Business - Theme Group, advances responsible and sustainable business development, one project at a time. Our work focuses on the circular economy, resource efficiency and effectiveness, reducing environmental and climate impacts, and promoting sustainable consumption and responsible practices across industries.
The KIVI team’s mission is to make sustainability practical, impactful, and transformative for business. Together, we foster responsible business practices, enable systemic change, and contribute to a more climate‑smart society.
The KIVI Theme Group Leader
Marjut Villanen
RDI specialist
marjut [dot] villanenlab [dot] fi
lab [dot] fi