RDI Research Areas
Interdisciplinary research for the challenges of business and society
The research areas at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences form a multidisciplinary ecosystem where research, development, and innovation meet the current challenges of working life and society. The aim of these research areas is to produce practical, impactful, and sustainable solutions in collaboration with companies, public sector actors, and other partners. Research activities are based on a phenomenon-driven approach, systems thinking, and close cooperation. Smart Business, Smart Design, Smart Industry, and Smart Society provide complementary perspectives ranging from business and design to industrial systems, as well as well-being and services. Together, they support the green transition, digitalisation, sustainable growth, resilience, and human-centered development in a rapidly changing operating environment.
The research areas function as open development platforms where new knowledge, data, technologies, and expertise are rapidly turned into applicable, real-world solutions. This work strengthens regional vitality, the competitiveness of businesses, and the sustainable renewal of society – locally, nationally, and internationally.
Smart Business
advances sustainable, data-driven renewal in companies by integrating business expertise, digitalization and emerging technologies. The field strengthens competitiveness through data, sustainable value chains, entrepreneurship, and resilient logistics solutions globally.
Smart Design
operates at the intersection of design thinking, technology and sustainability. It transforms creativity, user-centredness and circular economy principles into products, services and systems enabling renewal and collaboration across ecosystems.
Smart Industry
renews industrial systems by combining energy transition, digitalization, and circular bioeconomy solutions. It supports developing low-carbon, intelligent and resilient production and energy systems, strengthening industrial competitiveness and reliability globally.
Smart Society
strengthens well-being and resilience by developing human-centered, services through multidisciplinary collaboration. It supports anticipatory practices, knowledge-driven leadership and service innovations addressing society’s changing needs nationally and globally.
Contact Us
Join us in collaboration and make an impact on the future of your region with us.
Mari Pohjanniemi
Research Area Manager,
RDI and Business Unit
