Aalto University establishes a professorship of practice position in data economy

Aalto University establishes a professor of practice position in the field of industrial engineering and management, which focuses on data economy, i.e., the utilisation of data in innovation and decision-making, as well as the development of value-adding activities. Professorship of practice is a fixed-term professorship that aims to bring together academic research and the practical needs of working life.

The five-year professorship will be established at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Aalto University's School of Science. In addition to Aalto University, the professor will work at the Mikkeli campus of South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk). Within Xamk's research, development and innovation (RDI) activities, the professorship will be part of the digital economy focus area.

Aalto University and Xamk are strategic partners. Both are committed to strengthening national competitiveness and building a sustainable society by promoting new innovations and strengthening entrepreneurship. The professorship is funded by donations and has been supported by Xamk, Disec Oy, City of Mikkeli, Small Business Center Support Foundation and Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo.

'It's great that the professor of practice is coming true and that stakeholders in Mikkeli were also consulted during the preparation process. The professorship advances business-oriented research and makes research knowledge available to regional operators. The importance of the data economy is constantly growing, and collaboration with Aalto University will create new preconditions for sustainable business in our region,' says Kalevi Niemi, Vice President for RDI at Xamk.

The data economy utilises digital platforms and electronically stored data in the development of new products, services and operating models. The professorship brings expertise on how to collect, process and apply data more effectively, for example, in the renewal of business operations and the development of public services.

'We are very happy about this new professorship. It will strengthen the teaching and research in data economy at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management and bring a regional dimension to it. The professorship will also deepen the collaboration between Aalto University and Xamk. My warmest thanks to all donors!' says Ilkka Niemelä, President of Aalto University.

Donors' thoughts about the professorship

According to Taina Penttinen, CEO of Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo, the professorship will have a significant impact on the vitality of South Savo: 

'As a cooperative company, it is important for Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo to strengthen and increase the vitality and well-being of its region. Together with other donors, we want to respond to the educational and research needs of the future. The donation to the professorship in data economy is also a donation to the appeal and retention potential of South Savo. Suur-Savo actively collaborates with educational institutions in its area of operation in, for example, internships, theses and development projects. Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo is also a significant employer of local students.' 

Janne Korhonen, CEO of Disec, emphasises the growing importance of data economy:

‘The importance of data economy in our society is growing rapidly. At Disec, we are very pleased that, through the funding of this professorship, we can contribute to the development of cutting-edge expertise in the field.’

More information:

Jens Schmidt
Head of Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Aalto University
jens.schmidt@aalto.fi

Helena Salminen
Donor Engagement, Aalto University
helena.salminen@aalto.fi

Stina Westman
Director, RDI, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
stina.westman@xamk.fi