Uncertainties and crises challenge economy and society – University of Vaasa strengthens research on preparedness and resilience

The new Preparedness and Resilience Research Platform (PREP) will start its activities at the beginning of January 2025.

– The new research platform will significantly strengthen our research on economic and societal resilience as well as comprehensive security and preparedness. The phenomenon-based platform will make it easier to conduct impactful multidisciplinary research and support joint efforts to increase external research funding, says Minna Martikainen, Rector of the University of Vaasa.

According to Martikainen, the platform will conduct high-level international research, help to solve complex societal problems, and provide research-based knowledge for decision-making.

How can we safeguard the future of democracy? And how can we ensure that businesses can operate in a secure and predictable environment that fosters economic growth? How can new innovations and technologies support the green transition and resilience? How should consumers and businesses prepare for challenging times in their finances and operations? How can we strengthen citizens' confidence in the ability of decision-makers to maintain stability, security, and peace?

– Through an innovative, bold, and multidisciplinary research platform, we believe we can provide answers to these fundamental questions, say Professors Harri Jalonen, Panu Kalmi, and Marko Järvenpää, and Research Director Petri Uusikylä, who have been planning the platform.

– The new research platform builds on the University of Vaasa's expertise in business, technology, and governance. It supports the university's strategic vision as an internationally recognised high-impact research university, says Mika Grundström, Vice Rector for Research at the University of Vaasa.

The new Preparedness and Resilience Research Platform will be one of four multidisciplinary research platforms at the University of Vaasa. The others include VEBIC, focusing on energy and sustainable development, Digital Economy, and InnoLab, centred on innovations and entrepreneurship.

Further information regarding the new platform will be presented at a high-level opening seminar in Vaasa on Tuesday, 28 January 2025.

If you are interested in collaborating with the research platform, please contact Mika Grundström, Vice Rector for Research.

• Preparedness and Resilience Research Platform (PREP) website