Aalto University: Finnish forest industry is renewing through academic research and innovation

The FinnCERES Flagship is advancing long-term, high-impact research that drives innovation and economic growth. The Flagship works closely with industry and policy makers to drive societal development towards a sustainable bioeconomy.

The FinnCERES Flagship, a pioneering research initiative, stands at the forefront of the global transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy. Launched in 2018 and funded by The Research Council of Finland’s Flagship Program, FinnCERES harnesses the untapped potential of renewable materials, such as forests, which are Finland’s most important natural resource. Research ecosystems like FinnCERES are redefining industries, advancing cutting-edge innovations, and ensuring that Finland remains a global leader in bio-based materials science. 

FinnCERES, jointly managed by Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, is not just an investment in research—it is an investment in Finland’s economy, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness.

A strategic investment for Finland’s future

FinnCERES is more than a research initiative—it is a cornerstone of Finland’s bioeconomy strategy. The Flagship’s strong collaboration with industry and policymakers ensure that scientific breakthroughs translate into tangible economic benefits. Providing science-based feedback for Finnish and European decision makers by, for example, participating in the Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel is one way to influence sound decision making for the Finnish society. The FinnCERES principal investigators, Professor Monika Österberg at Aalto and Research Professor Tekla Tammelin-Peltonen at VTT, are both members of the Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel and actively communicating with decision-makers.