Minna Martikainen: University of Vaasa lays the foundation for a sustainable future

According to Martikainen, Vaasa is known as Europe’s energy capital, home to four international publicly listed companies and over 250 other energy-related businesses. This forms the basis of the university’s unique ecosystem approach, which strives to integrate research, industry collaboration, and education seamlessly. 

– The energy sector is one of the most critical industries in mitigating climate change. However, the pace of developing future solutions is too slow, and it can take decades for many innovations to be widely adopted. We want to accelerate this process, Martikainen emphasised.

The University of Vaasa seeks to distinguish itself within Finland’s academic landscape by integrating various disciplines to serve the goals of a sustainable energy economy and society. Its strategy revolves around three pillars: sustainable business, sustainable energy and a sustainable society.

Martikainen highlighted how companies in the Vaasa region, such as ABB, Wärtsilä, Hitachi Energy, and Danfoss, form a significant part of the international energy cluster. The university’s role is to unite these companies, funders, and researchers to develop solutions that drive sustainability and innovation.

International Impact

The Sustainable Energy Reimagined event, held on 15 January at the Palais des Académies in Brussels, is part of the university’s international strategy. According to Martikainen, the event aims to foster connections with European and global stakeholders while showcasing the University of Vaasa’s expertise. 

– We want to demonstrate how a university can act as an active link between research, businesses, and funding. This promotes both local and global impact, Martikainen explained.

The University of Vaasa does not settle for a traditional academic role. Martikainen noted that the university operates more entrepreneurially than many other Finnish higher education institutions. 

– We want our researchers and students to work closely with society and industry. Our strategy focuses on achieving rapid impact and delivering tangible results, she stated.

Energy transition is seen as a critical component of a sustainable future. Martikainen pointed out that without viable business solutions, the energy transition will not progress quickly enough. 

– Investors are not always patient enough to wait for decades-long returns, so we need new business models and financial solutions. This is where we focus our research and collaboration, Martikainen said.

One of the university’s key research areas is the sustainability and efficiency of energy systems. Martikainen stressed that developing decentralised microgrids could enhance the resilience and security of energy systems. For instance, small, local energy systems are more stable than large, international networks.

Future challenges and opportunities

Martikainen reminded that the impacts of climate change extend across various sectors of society. For example, natural disasters can cause economic shocks that disrupt financial markets and increase societal risks. 

– Our research aims to provide solutions that support both climate change mitigation and economic stability, Martikainen summarised.

The University of Vaasa aspires to be a pioneer, combining energy technology, business, and sustainability. Martikainen also highlighted the importance of economic resilience. 

– Only through energy transition and sustainable business practices can societies remain vibrant in the future, she concluded.

The university distinguishes itself in Finland’s higher education landscape with its strategic choices. According to Martikainen, its goal is to drive change. 

– Our approach is proactive and business-oriented. We aim to create new operational models that tightly integrate research, education, and businesses, she said.

Moreover, the university emphasises incorporating sustainability at all levels of its operations. Collaboration with both local and international partners plays a key role. Martikainen pointed out that the University of Vaasa aims to give its students the opportunity to be part of this transformation and contribute to building a sustainable future. 

– We don’t just follow; we lead, Martikainen concluded.

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