OUR INSTITUTION:
Savonia University of Applied Sciences (SUAS) is one of the largest Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland. Savonia is a multidisciplinary institution of higher education, offering Bachelor programs and Master programs in Tourism and Business, Health Care and Technology. Operations also include adult education, research, development, and innovation activities. Its selected focus areas for research and development are Bio and Circular Economy, Wellness Technology, Water Safety, Food Business, and Innovative Engineering.
Savonia’s vision to be the most responsible and influential higher education institution is very much alive in its activities and is naturally linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Climate change is causing challenges and security risks related to food, water, health, energy, and the bioeconomy, among others and Savonia provides solutions to these challenges. Savonia is an innovative educational institution, and an internationally recognized expert in sustainability. Savonia has built a cooperation network between companies, RDI actors, in sectoral ecosystems shared by educational organizations and the public sector.
OUR TEAM:
Miika Kajanus works as a researcher as well as RDI liaison at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. He has a background in forestry and has been involved in the development and application of various decision support methods. He is involved in various R&D&Iprojects and his experience is linked to strategic planning and economic growth. He has presented numerous research papers and articles focused on circular economy business models, waste management, business models in the forestry sector and environmental monitoring, bioeconomy, innovation processes and models.
Anni Kesänen works as a business lecturer at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. She is currently finishing her PhD in Management at the University of Jyväskylä. Her interests are in management, business development, co-operative business, education, research, and issues related to sustainable development.
Sanna Rantala works as an R&D specialist at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. She is currently in charge as a Project Manager Savon Helmiä project whose aim is to develop service concepts and networking activities for the cultural tourism sector. She also teaches service design and event and meeting production. She is currently studying for a Master of Business Administration, Business Development.
Mr. Jyri Wuorisalo is working as RDI advisor in Savonia University of Applied Sciences. He specializes in human security and sustainable development. He coordinates Human Security Finland network, an international development and crisis management business network. The network focuses on Climate Security.
Tuomo Eskelinen works as Research Manager in the Savonia’s Multidisciplinary RDI Team. He has Ph.D in environmental science, about 50 scientific publications, over 10 international projects experience on innovation management, sustainable and circular economy, value-based and social acceptance studies. He acts as reviewer and editor for scientific journals, and reviewer for European Commission, and is member of the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM).