The endowed professorship adds ownership as an integral part of academic research and teaching, strengthens Finnish ownership expertise and culture, and produces high-quality research data to support societal discussion and decision-making.
Fundraising for the endowed professorship was completed in February 2022. The professorship was supported by a record number of more than 100 donors, among whom were private donors, companies and foundations (list of donors at the bottom of the page). D.Sc. (Econ.), Professor Samuli Knüpfer, was appointed professor of ownership, who started his position in March 2022.
Dean of the School of Business Timo Korkeamäki says that the professorship in ownership has attracted a lot of interest ever since the news of its establishment.
'We have received an exceptionally large amount of positive feedback about the professorship in ownership. The received feedback shows that there is a need for high-quality and independent researched information on ownership, development of teaching in the field, and more societal discussion. We are excited to do our part to implement these things,' says Korkeamäki.
Due to the great popularity, the ownership target will remain open for new donations as well, which will support the ownership-related teaching, research and societal impact carried out in the area of the endowment professorship.
Choose the amount of donation that suits your preferences and become a supporter of ownership!
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In donations of 10 000 euros and more to the School of Business, please contact our Head of External Relations Jonna Söderholm ([email protected]). A deed of donation will be always drafted for donations of 10 000 euros or more.
Read about donor recognition here.
The original idea for the professorship came from Tero Luoma, who has written a book on ownership. Together with Lari Raitavuo, one of the owners of Ensto Invest, they set out to find supporters for the professorship.
'So far, there has been no professorship in ownership in the world and we wanted one to be established in Finland. The professorship is a permanent investment in Finnish ownership expertise that will span generations. In the steering group, we compared seven Finnish universities for the best location for the professorship. Aalto stood out for their ambition, internationality and ability to integrate the professorship extensively into other teaching and research’, says Tero Luoma.
According to Timo Korkeamäki, Dean of the School of Business, the new professorship will play a key role in producing academic research data related to ownership, and in popularizing it to support societal debate and decision-making. Two donors, Algol and Foundation for Private Entrepreneurs also emphasize the importance of the professorship’s societal impact.
'I am convinced that research and education in ownership advance both the enhancing of good ownership and strengthening the ownership culture', says the Group CEO Alexander Bargum from Algol.
'High quality research will help us to foster ownership that brings economic growth and well-being into society. Independent research will also help political leaders to find ways how to boost ownership in Finland and how to make Finland more attractive for foreign investments', says Auli Hänninen, CEO, Foundation for Private Entrepreneurs.
Timo Korkeamäki, Dean of Aalto University School of BusinessExpertise in this important field in Finland can now be supported with bigger and smaller donations.
Several foundations, companies and associations have already supported the professorship with donations. Below you can find a list of all the donors who have given permission to publish their names on our website.
Aho Group, Algol, Aminoff Philip, Antti Ahlström Perilliset, Athensmed, Conficap, Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, Ensto Invest, Erkki Paasikivi foundation, Finnish Family Firms Association, Foundation for Private Entrepreneurs, Fredman Capital, Gerako, Hartwall Capital, Helkama Satu, Helsingin Metalliteollisuuden Piiriyhdistys, Helvar Merca, Isodin, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Juuri Partners, Kaleva Mutual Insurance Company, Katko, Kokkolan Halpa-Halli, Luoma Tero, Maki.vc, Mandatum Mutual Insurance Company, Nordic Business Group, Novametor, Paananen Jalo, Oras Invest, Otava, Planmeca, Pontos, PwC, Finnish Foundation for Share Promotion, Rauno and Anne Puolimatka Foundation, Saastamoinen Foundation, Security Trading, Sinituote, Taaleri, Takanen Jorma, Translink Corporate Finance, Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation, Thominvest, TT Foundation, TT Gaskets, Varova, Zabludowicz Poju
Aalto Tapani, Ali-Vehmas Timo, Bohm Mika, Englund Tomi, Eteläaho Jaakko, Etola Martti, Finn Spring Oy, Heusala Minna, Höijer Soila, Jussila Jaana, Kanerva Sami, Kaukoranta Eero, Kiianmies Aino-Mari, Kitti Anton, Kiuru Emmi, Kohonen Ari, Kohonen Kaija, Kohonen Simo, Kokkonen Jukka-Pekka, Korkeamäki Timo, Koskenmies Jari Pekka, Kovanen Capital Oy, Kyösti Veijo, Laine Paula, Launiainen John, Lehtivuori Ursula, Leinikka Harri, Linnanvirta Reima, Paloheimo Annukka, Parkkonen Olli, Pentti Markus, Porkkala Miia, Poutiainen Kustaa, Raitavuo Lari, Rajala Tommi, Rajamäki Timo,Ruuskanen Mikko, Räty Pekka, Sadowski Maciej, Salmela Antti, Salminen Helena, Seedi Oy, Sisu Foundation, Stanton Chase Oy, Suhonen Antti, Suhonen Susanne, Tahvanainen Sami, Tamminen Kirsti, Toivakka Lenita, Torppa Pasi, TWP Group Oy, Vähäsöyrinki Mari, Väänänen Jesse
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