SUMATU - The state and future of Finnish rural research

This research project investigates the development, current state, and future prospects of rural research in Finland, as well as the evolving relationship between rural research and rural policy. Particular attention is paid to the implications of these changes for both the academic field of rural studies and the policy domain.

The research focuses on examining the current state and future prospects of rural research, particularly in the context of Finland, but also more broadly within the Nordic countries. It examines the position of rural research within universities, academic disciplines, and priority research areas, as well as the availability and future prospects of funding instruments for rural researchers.

In terms of research–policy relations, the project analyzes the role of rural research in responding to policy knowledge needs, especially in relation to national regional and rural policy. It also investigates how rural research is integrated into comprehensive rural policy programs, and how research supporting rural policy is funded both through national and external sources, potentially influencing the orientation of the research itself.

The research is being carried out in collaboration between the Karelian Research Institute of the University of Eastern Finland and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). The contact person and principal investigator of the research project is University Researcher Mari Kattilakoski. Serving as a partner and co-principal investigator in the project is xxxx from Luke. Additionally, a part-time doctoral researcher from the University of Eastern Finland will be recruited for the project.

The research is funded by the Keskitie Foundation.