Donated professorship strengthens Finnish ownership competence

The ownership professorship strengthens Finnish ownership expertise and the culture of ownership by producing high-quality research data to support societal discussion and decisions.

‘There is surprisingly little top-level research of how ownership impacts the operations and success of companies as employers, taxpayers and engines of growth,’ says Timo Korkeamäki, Dean of the School of Business. ‘The new professorship fills this gap and also serves as a trendsetter for research and teaching related to ownership.’

First of its kind

Having written a book on ownership, the originator of the professorship project is Tero Luoma. He has been working with Lari Raitavuo, one of the owners of Ensto Investment, to find backers for the project. ‘As we were unable to find an ownership professorship anywhere in the world, we had to create one,’ says Luoma. ‘A steering group was established to examine seven universities to find the best location for the professorship. Aalto University stood out due to its ambition, internationality and ability to integrate the professorship extensively into other teaching and research,’ he says.

The professorship has received an enthusiastic reception, with numerous foundations, companies and individuals already supporting it with donations. ‘We strongly believe that the expertise and actions of owners have an impact on the success of a company,’ says Philip Aminoff, Chairman of the Board at Helvar Merca, which has supported the professorship. ‘We hope that the professorship will provide a deep understanding of the role of good and competent ownership in the national economy to the benefit of our country.’

The ownership professorship has also been opened to online donations so that anyone who wishes to support the growth of ownership expertise in Finland can do so. ‘The online donation campaign will allow both private donors and organisations to support this important project with an amount suitable for them,’ says Korkeamäki.

‘Supporting the ownership professorship reflects Finnish ownership. Anyone can support the professorship with a small sum. Together, we can achieve something big,’ says Sari Lounasmeri, CEO of the Finnish Foundation for Share Promotion.

Text: Helena Salminen

Donors who have supported the professorship so far:

• Aho Group
• Algol
• Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK)
• Conficap
• Ensto Invest
• Erkki Paasikivi foundation
• Finnish Foundation for Share Promotion
• Foundation for Private Entrepreneurs
• Fredman Capital
• Gerako
• Hartwall Capital
• Helvar Merca
• Isodin
• Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation
• Juuri Partners
• Katko
• Kaleva Mutual Insurance Company
• Luoma Tero
• Maki.vc
• Mandatum
• Novametor
• Oras Invest
• Otava
• Paananen Jalo
• Planmeca
• Pontos
• PwC
• Saastamoinen Foundation
• Security Trading
• Seedi
• Sinituote
• Stanton Chase
• Taaleri
• Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation
• Thominvest
• TT Foundation
• TWP Group
• Varova
• Yksityisyrittäjäin säätiö foundation

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