D.Sc. (Econ. and Bus.Adm.) Pasi Rikkonen has been appointed to Research Professor

D.Sc. (Econ. and Bus.Adm.) Pasi Rikkonen has been appointed to research professor at the Natural Resources Institute. Rikkonen's tasks will focus on foresight research in the Circular Bioeconomy.

The foresight professorship focuses on analyzing alternative future scenarios for the bioeconomy and the use of renewable resources and examining their economic, technological, social and environmental impacts. Rikkonen will take up his new position on April 1, 2022.

– In a time of transition to a more sustainable solution for the whole resource sector, foresight research has an essential role to play in opening up future development opportunities and choices through research data. I am looking forward doing this research that proactively addresses the challenges of the time, Rikkonen comments his new tasks.

Luke has already become a familiar workplace for Rikkonen over the years, as he has previously worked as a principal scientist at Luke. The main parts of the research have been the future scenarios of agriculture, the foresight study of the food system, the foresight of technology, especially in the renewable decentralized energy system, and the guidance of climate and energy policy in food production.

-A new task focusing on foresight research is a great opportunity to apply one's own knowledge to different sectors of the bioeconomy at a time when new technologies, innovations and operational concepts are being tested and introduced with the aim of moving towards a more sustainable circular economy, Rikkonen says.

Rikkonen will work in his new position at Luke's Bioeconomy and environment unit (BITA).

-The importance of foresight is growing as the world changes and becomes more complex, and agriculture and forestry are under great pressure to change. With the appointment of Pasi, we want to strengthen Luke's ability to anticipate different future options and offer idea leadership in the areas of the circular economy, comments Jani Lehto Vice President, Bioeconomy and Environment.

Research professors are in key positions for the scientific expertise and international visibility and effectiveness of Luke. The aim is to ensure top-level research in fields that are strategic for Luke, as well as applicability of research in business.