The research programs at the Aalto University School of Economics combine practical relevance and high-quality scientific research. They are committed to maintaining the high quality of research at the school and the extensive utilization of research results. A research program creates the framework for the co-operation of researchers and research teams. Each program has a director, a steering committee, a co-ordinator, research teams and shared events. A postdoctoral education system for recent doctoral graduates will be created within the research programs.
The programs are linked to the Aalto University School of Economics' strategic research priorities, which in 2006–2009 are:
1. Globalization and Competitiveness
In the era of globalization companies are not only competing for customers and expertise but also for investors’ attention. The ‘globalization and competitiveness’ programme examines how the increasing mobility of labour and capital affects Finnish companies and their competitiveness. The following questions are significant for the programme: For what and how companies compete under globalization, and what kind of rules are applied? How changes in consumer cultures and multiculturalism affect Finnish society, companies and their competitiveness?
Contact:
Director Risto Tainio, Research Professor, e-mail: risto.tainio(at)hse.fi
» Globalization and Competitiveness website
2. Financial Markets and Services
This focus area has links with several departments at the School of Economics. In addition to financial markets and services, the focus area includes a wide variety of research topics, ranging from ownership and risk management to production and interpretation of economic information, auditing and business law.
Contact:
Director Matti Suominen, Research Professor, e-mail: matti.suominen(at)hse.fi
Coordinator Antti Lehtoranta, e-mail: antti.lehtoranta(at)hse.fi
» Financial Markets and Services website
3. Information Economy
The focus area includes micro- and macro-level studies on the adoption/diffusion, functioning, significance and benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT); research into new business models; ICT’s role in renewing marketing, the supply chain, etc.; ICT-based decision support.
Contact:
Director Jyrki Wallenius, Research Professor, e-mail: jyrki.wallenius(at)hse.fi
Coordinator Heikki Lempinen, e-mail: heikki.lempinen(at)hse.fi
» Information Economy website
4. Business Networks
The research activity of the school in the area of Business Networks focuses on network economy, the emergence of networks in new business fields, innovation networks and the development of strategic business nets. Topical research themes include:
- Networks and alliances in the globalizing economy;
- Strategic business nets;
- Social and entrepreneurial networks;
- Management and control within networks.
These research themes are related to the competencies of several disciplines within the School of Economics, such as business strategies, organizations and management, the competitiveness and profitability assessment of business networks, and economic, informational and logistical control of networked activities, and information systems, marketing, communication and contractual issues within networks.
Contact:
Director Kristian Möller, Research Professor, e-mail: kristian.moller(at)hse.fi
Coordinator Terhi Väistö, e-mail: terhi.vaisto(at)hse.fi
» Business Networks website