Design thinking has started to interest a growing number of Finnish companies. It features a strong emphasis on the user and customer experience, multiprofessional teams, and quick testing and prototyping. Extensive utilisation of design is thought to provide a clear competitive edge in the internationalisation of Finnish businesses now and in the future.

The goal of Ervasti’s thesis is to produce knowledge of the utilisation of design thinking among Finnish companies working toward international growth. Through a practice-theoretical approach the author attempts to identify practices that promote organisation-level design orientation.

While working in the Arctic Factory design agency in Lapland, Ervasti has noticed a strong and growing interest in the utilisation of design thinking among Finnish companies.

– Getting the grant is an honour, and it is inspiring to notice that my topic is considered important and of current interest also by Suomen Ulkomaankaupan Edistämisrahasto, Ervasti notes with gratitude.

Through in-depth case descriptions Ervasti expects to find new insights into the types of practices, sociomaterial processes, and other factors that advance the design orientation of Finnish businesses. The recognition of good practices helps company management to create more effective processes for applying design thinking.

Extensive utilisation of design methods has proven a competitive edge in the international market, because they enable companies to produce better customer experiences and innovate new products and services effectively.

SUE thesis grant application in spring

This spring’s application period starts in May, and a separate bulletin will follow on the issue. When applying, your thesis is to comply with one of the following criteria:

• It is related to the internationalisation or export of businesses in Lapland or eastern Finland
• It is related to the internationalisation or export of the Finnish business sector
• It is written in cooperation with one or several local businesses working toward internationalisation OR in cooperation with a local actor promoting internationalisation (e.g. ELY or the chambers of commerce)

Applying for the SUE grant is an excellent opportunity for students writing a master’s thesis.

– At the University of Lapland, we conduct multifaceted research in collaboration with businesses already in the master phase, and I hope we will receive many applications from various disciplines this spring. I encourage you to consider your topic within this context and to submit your application. The grant is also an awesome merit regarding your future, sums up Vice-Rector Satu Uusiautti.

Further information
Joonas Ervasti, joervast(at)ulapland.fi
Satu Uusiautti, Vice-Rector responsible for education, Satu.Uusiautti(at)ulapland.fi