Research Council of Finland awards strategic funding for research into space economy and AI-powered leadership
The WELEC programme explores ways to foster economic development and examines the mechanisms through which it contributes to well-being amidst changing circumstances.
The consortia funded under the WELEC programme conduct research across 15 fields and involve 17 organisations.
Tampere University is a member of two consortia funded under the WELEC programme – in SPACECONOMY as the coordinator and in TRANSFORM-AI as a partner.
Advancing Sustainable Economic Growth through Space Economy (SPACECONOMY)
The SPACECONOMY project reinforces Finland’s position in the rapidly growing global space economy. The consortium is led by Heidi Kuusniemi, Professor of Wireless Systems at Tampere University.
The project addresses the fragmentation of Finland’s space ecosystem by promoting innovation, sustainability and cross-sector collaboration. It brings together leading experts from academia, industry and the public sector to drive economic growth, enhance productivity and improve societal well-being.
“Tampere University coordinates the SPACECONOMY project, with our researchers focusing specifically on reliable satellite positioning, next-generation wireless communication technologies (5G/6G), and related AI-powered solutions for the space economy,” Kuusniemi says.
“We will also strengthen the development of expertise and promote stakeholder collaboration to ensure the effective application of research findings to benefit society, both in business and policymaking spheres.”
By fostering strategic collaboration and delivering practical solutions, SPACECONOMY will support Finland’s global competitiveness, address the challenges posed by climate change and regional inequality, and contribute to sustainable growth and resilience amidst the digital and green transitions.
Leadership, Intangible Capital and Innovation for AI-Driven Growth (TRANSFORM-AI)
The TRANSFORM-AI project will tackle Finland’s innovation paradox: despite a high level of expertise and substantial investments in research, the country’s economic growth and productivity continue to fall short of expectations. The research consortium includes Associate Professor of Marketing Valtteri Kaartemo from Tampere University, who leads his own funded work package within the broader initiative.
TRANSFORM-AI investigates how artificial intelligence, intangible capital and leadership can be combined to revitalise working life, strengthen the competitiveness of companies and support decision-making in the public sector.
The work package led by Associate Professor Kaartemo focuses on market shaping and the cognitive biases impeding it.
“Market shaping does not happen by chance: it requires vision and bold decisions. Our work package explores how artificial intelligence can empower Finnish companies to shape market development and overcome the constraints posed by cognitive biases on their path to growth,” Kaartemo says.
“We aim to help Finnish companies harness the potential of AI in market shaping – and ensure cognitive biases do not stand in the way of new growth opportunities,” he adds.
The TRANSFORM-AI consortium brings together researchers from diverse fields, such as behavioural sciences, economics and learning sciences.
The project will produce practical tools and policy recommendations for responsible AI deployment, the development of expertise and sustainable market renewal. The consortium collaborates with more than 30 stakeholder organisations.
