What does innovation mean to you?
For me innovation always happens between people. It requires co-cretion, dialogue and the creative friction that comes from diverse perspectives. Innovation is not just about ideas or technologies, but about enabling trust and courage to explore new ways of doing together.
I see innovation as a way to tackle the world’s most complex problems, such as climate, biodiversity, demographic change, inequality, by creating systemic and impactful solutions.
What do you believe is the most important capability for companies to thrive in the economy of tomorrow?
The most important capability for companies in tomorrow’s economy is the courage to grow by embracing foresight and bold innovation. Innovation should be at the core, not a team somewhere down the hall. I also believe in public–private partnerships that tackle complex challenges beyond what any single actor can solve alone.
How can we leverage our collective strength to create a more prosperous future?
We must embrace radical creativity and bring it into leadership both in the public and private sectors. Leaders need the courage to foster creativity, enable experimentation and take risks, because radically new ways of working is only way we can unlock the bold solutions our future demands.
Describe your project and work and what makes it so innovative.
I lead Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra’s Innovation Unit, developing bold new ways to tackle systemic challenges such as demographic shifts, future of education or economic growth. Our goal is to create the world’s best approach to societal innovation, combining foresight, design, and experimentation to build scalable models that strengthen society’s ability to renew itself.