A warm welcome to Jukka Teräs and Ingrid H G Johnsen, who started work as Senior Research Fellows at Nordregio on September 2nd 2013. Jukka comes from Finland and holds a Doctor's degree in Technology from the University of Oulu. Ingrid comes from Norway and has recently graduated with a PhD from Lund University.
Who are you and what do you bring with you to Nordregio?
Jukka:
My research interests include innovation environments, regional clusters, and issues related to non-metropolitan regions. My most recent research work at the University of Turku in Finland focused on regional cluster transformation. Besides my academic experience and contact network, I bring more than 20 years of experience in international consultancy on innovation promotion, technology transfer and regional development.
Ingrid:
Over several years I have published theoretical work on regional development issues, especially innovation and creativity. I also have experience working with business development in the EU context. What I bring with me is theoretical and practical knowledge that I want to use in more applied research within the context in which Nordegio works.
What do you find most interesting or challenging with Nordregio?
Jukka:
Nordregio provides me with an opportunity to combine practical, hands-on knowledge with relevant theoretical knowledge in the field of regional studies. As a member of the highly international Nordregio staff, I look forward to learning more about the Nordic countries and providing up-to-date research on regional economic growth and innovation and good practices in the Nordic countries.
Ingrid:
I think that working with issues related to the Nordic social context is intriguing. For instance, what are the overall innovation challenges that the Nordic countries are now facing? I also find it challenging that Nordregio works across scientific disciplines. I think such an environment fosters creativity and new thinking, and I really look forward to working with researchers from different backgrounds and to gaining new insight into the field of spatial development.
Did you know about Nordregio before?
Jukka:
Yes, I am familiar with several Nordregio publications and the Nordregio website including the Maps & Graphs Gallery.
Ingrid:
I got to know Nordregio as an organization quite recently, but through my studies I am familiar with the thematic fields in which Nordregio is working.