The working life is constantly changing and requires more skilled workers. The need for skilled workforce is emphasized in Finland's aging population. In our projects related to working life and skills shortage, we explore these topics from various perspectives. We ask questions such as how international workers integrate into the Finnish job market and how their skills can be highlighted. How can intergenerational cooperation in Finland's aging population help solve the skills shortage?
Ongoing Projects
Duration: 2024
Small and Midsize Enterprises and Foreign Workforce in Finland (PIKEUS)
The SMEs and Foreign Workforce project (PIKEUS) serves the needs of both the private and public sectors. Businesses receive practical solutions for internationalisation from their own region and insights from across Finland.
Partners: Business Finland's Work in Finland, The city of Espoo, The city of Helsinki, The city of Kuopio, The city of Lahti, The city of Tampere, KIRA: the real estate and construction sector consortium
Duration: 2023–2024
Metsä ja me - Research Project
Metsä ja Me (The Forest and Us) research project examines the future of the forest sector from the perspective of employment and labour shortages. The research project provides information that will help the forest sector to address the problem of labour shortages and support the attractiveness and success of the sector.
Funders: E2 Research, MTK Foundation, Kainuu Regional Council, and Palkasaajasäätiö
Duration: 2022–2024
Building Finland’s Future (Tulevaisuuden Suomen tekijät)
A three-part study will look for solutions to acute problems in working life, such as labour shortages and polarisation.
Funders: Trade Union Pro, The Finnish Association of Private Care Providers HALI, Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL, Ministry of Justice, Service Union United PAM, Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries RT, STTK, The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, Industrial Employees TP, and The Finnish Pension Alliance TELA
Previous projects
Duration: 2022–2023
Science Night LIVE!
Science Night LIVE! was a new kind of science communication and networking event that took place on 29 March 2023 at the Science Centre Heureka. The event highlighted the expertise of foreign researchers working in Finland and provided an opportunity for the public and stakeholders to hear about the latest research in different fields and network with researchers. The event's themes highlighted artificial intelligence, sustainability issues and social justice. E2 Research was mainly responsib...
Funders: Tieteen tiedotus
Partners: Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Science Centre Heureka
Duration: 2022
BASE: Building Academics’ Societal Impact
A unique pilot project to support the growing number of foreign academics, researchers, and experts, who are working in Finland, in their public engagement, visibility in Finnish media, and the societal impact of their work.
Funders: Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation
Partners: Finnish Association of Science Editors and Journalists, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, LUT University, University of Turku, University of Vaasa, The Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (FUURT)
Duration: 2021–2023
The International Talent Finland Research Project
In the International Talent Finland Research Project, we will inquire how to attract international talents to take part in building the country.
Funders: Confederation of Finnish industries (EK), Technology Industries of Finland, Kunta- ja hyvinvointialuetyönantajat KT, KEVA, Tekniikan Akateemiset, Industrial Employees TP, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, Business Finland, and the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, and Oulu
Duration: 2021–2023
Ruokavarma - Vulnerabilities in the Finnish Food System
The project explores the inter-dependencies within the Finnish food system and their role as a source of vulnerability and suggests solutions for improving our food system’s sustainability and resilience.
Funders: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland/ Makera
Partners: University of Turku's Finland Futures Research Centre, Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics
Duration: 2020 –2021
Inter-Generational Concerns and Strengths I: The Common Denominators of Working Life
The sub-study I “The Common Denominators of Working Life” examines the central cornerstone of the welfare society, i.e., working life. The study compares the working life views and inter-generational relationships of young and middle-aged people.
Partners: Industrial Employees TP, Finnish Paper Workers' Union, The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL, Trade Union Pro and Service Union United PAM
Duration: 2020–2021
The Quiet Wisdom of Older Women as Cultural Capital
The project examines the wisdom of older women and how it is being transitioned to the next generations. The study also examines older women's experiences of their role in society.
Partners: The project is implemented in collaboration with Research Professor Marja Holmila (Emerita, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL). The partners include the Pensioners' Association, the Finnish Pensioners' Federation, The Central Association of Finnish Pensioners, and the Union of Christian Pensioners.
Duration: 2020–2021
Smoother Everyday Life, the Better Quality of Life (SAPE) – The State Of Sustainable Development In Rural Areas
The research project SAPE assesses the state of sustainable development in rural areas in Finland. We examine the role, visibility, and presence of rural areas in the national sustainable development policies and analyse the targets for sustainable development in the strategies of regions, communities, and villages.
Funders: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland/Makera
Partners: Pellervo Economic Research PTT, Village Action Association of Finland
Duration: 2020
Startup Success Factors - a Study of the Food Industry and the Case of Nyhtökaura
The project surveys the success factors of startups and the specific characteristics of food startups. The case of Nyhtökaura (pulled oats) is studied as part of the food industry.
Partners: The Finnish Food and Drink Industries' Federation (ETL), K-Group, Ministry of Employment and the Economy and Startup Foundation
Duration: 2018–2019
Youth not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET)
The project examines Youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET) whose voices are often left unheard in other studies. The study looks at the well-being of youth not in employment or education and what could be done to help them.
Partners: Youth Research Network