Mika Ruokonen to start as AI-focused industry professor in Lahti

LUT is pursuing a stronger role as an AI thought leader and a supporter of businesses in Lahti. To this end, the university decided to appoint an industry professor specialising in AI on its Lahti campus. The person appointed to the position is Mika Ruokonen, who has been LUT Business School's industry professor in digital business for the past four years. He will start in his new role in August.

“We wanted to find a senior expert who understands not only academic research but, more importantly, also the daily operation of businesses and the practical importance of AI. Mika Ruokonen embodies all this, and he collaborates effortlessly with business enterprises,” says Sami Saarenketo, dean of LUT Business School.

Ruokonen will continue to work for LUT Business School, and his new industry professorship is funded by the PHP Foundation, the Padasjoki Savings Bank Foundation, the foundation of the Lahti Industrial Association, and the City of Lahti with an aggregate amount of 310,000 euros. The three-year position is part-time.

PHP Foundation the largest donor

The largest donor, the PHP Foundation, has contributed 150,000 euros to the position. The PSP Foundation has supported several LUT professorships, donating a total exceeding one million euros to the university. LUT is the foundation’s primary beneficiary.

“LUT breathes new life into the Päijät-Häme region, and we believe the university could spur change in the area even more effectively. If LUT succeeds in its goals, it may mean a dramatic leap forward for the entire region,” says Timo Laine, kauppaneuvos (Finnish honorary title) and chair of the PHP Foundation board.

Laine states that the foundation has noticed the numerous positive projects promoted by LUT as well as the university's success in reputation surveys. LUT’s strategy, which merges academic research with a practical approach, is also appreciated by the foundation.

“We're hoping LUT would tie its research more closely to local business life and support the activity of companies in the area in a tangible way.”

In Laine’s view, supporting AI research is essential for Lahti at the moment.

“I would certainly have profited from AI in my own career if such a thing were available back then,” says the retired lawyer with a laugh.

Strong regional investments in AI

Ruokonen obtained his doctorate from LUT in 2008, and he has an extensive background in various business management roles. As an industry professor, Ruokonen specialises particularly in AI research in collaboration with Professor Paavo Ritala. The duo has conducted a number of studies on the topic and gained recognition as AI experts especially in Finnish media but also internationally.

Ruokonen has also released several public statements of his own concerning AI strategies and the development of artificial intelligence.

According to Ruokonen, industry and business in Lahti are thriving, and local players are undoubtedly familiar with collecting and utilising data on corporate activities. Consequently, they are most likely in a strong position to implement actual AI applications.

“The university, businesses, foundations, and municipal administration have an opportunity to collaborate even more in AI regionally. Alongside my academic expertise, I bring with me my business skills and contacts. My role assists and supports AI development especially from especially from the management perspective,” Ruokonen analyses.

“Meanwhile, the idea is to build broader shoulders for AI research to rest on. That would enable research that is more extensive, faster, and less dependent on individual people.”

In practice, Ruokonen's new role involves speaking at both smaller and larger AI-related events. The first ones in Lahti are planned for later this year.

“The events seek to provide inspiration, stimulation, fresh ideas, and expertise at the local level.”

AI to boost international family-owned businesses

Valtteri Simola, director of the Lahti Industrial Association, is glad that Lahti is getting an accomplished industry professor such as Ruokonen, who is already familiar with LUT's way of doing things.

Simola points out that no companies in the Lahti area currently focus purely on artificial intelligence, but many actors utilise the technology.

“AI has been adopted by nearly every company, but its utilisation in product and service development is still in its infancy.”

As Simola sees it, the appointment of an industry professor benefits medium-sized and international family-owned companies in the Lahti region.

“Despite the diversity of businesses and industry in the area, deep-rooted industry traditions are very much alive. I believe that for instance the forest industry and its suppliers can benefit a great deal from what Ruokonen brings to the table.”