The TULEVA project at Turku School of Economics studied the change pressures caused by megatrends and sudden disruptions on the international business of Finnish companies. Key questions included the interpretations and reactions to megatrends and disruptions at the system and company levels, as well as how the reactions of actors to changes are interconnected and related to the field of trade policy.
The TULEVA project (2022–2024), titled 'Finnish Companies as Pioneers of the Future in a Changing Business Environment,' focused broadly on understanding changes in the corporate operating environment and their impacts. This environment is shaped by widespread changes, ranging from environmental crises to technological transformations, as well as sudden disruptions such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These forces of change present both challenges and opportunities for companies and policymakers to act differently and evolve. From a European perspective, the key drivers of change identified in this research were the green transition and new security challenges. From these perspectives, the project conducted interviews with companies, various business organizations, and political decision-makers from Finland, the Nordic countries, and the European Commission.
The results of the research project have been presented in the Centrum Balticum Policy Briefing series and in the Trade Policy magazine. The mentioned widespread changes, combined with the tightening geopolitical situation, challenge the key pillars of competitiveness in a small, open economy: namely, the global open market and cooperation-based development. Technology and its advancement are often seen as central to the development of our society's well-being, but alongside this, open markets and global cooperation have also been essential. Therefore, it is crucial for Finland to invest not only in technological expertise but also in developing cooperation in this challenging global situation.
At the Turku School of Economics, this change in the business environment has been addressed by developing education related to the relationship between international business and trade policy. The study module on trade policy and changes in world trade brings together relevant courses. Additionally, courses specifically focused on this theme include Trade Policy in International Business, Geography of International Trade, and the open MOOC course Trade and Policy: International Tensions Influencing Businesses. Understanding the dynamics between business and international relations has become increasingly important, and expertise is needed in managing both globally operating multinational companies and smaller export-focused businesses. This understanding of dynamics is also crucial in roles emphasizing international relations within ministries or international organizations. The Turku School of Economics has established a strong foundation to continue developing this knowledge and expertise in the future.
The TULEVA project was funded by the Finnish Foreign Trade Development Fund (Suomen ulkomaankaupan kehittämisrahasto).
