Urban studies expert Sampo Ruoppila appointed Professor of Practice at the University of Vaasa

Ruoppila brings with him extensive experience in urban research, developing research collaboration, and urban policy practices. He has worked as a researcher at the University of Helsinki, a lead consultant at the public policy consulting firm Net Effect Ltd, director of the urban research programme at the University of Turku and the City of Turku, and a visiting professor at Politecnico di Milano. Currently, in addition to his professorship, he serves as a part-time senior researcher at the University of Helsinki and as a partner at SpinUnit Lab Ltd, which provides urban research-based expert services and AI-assisted participatory urban planning. He has participated in numerous international research and development projects and has served as an expert for municipalities, companies, and organisations.

–  The Vaasa region has ambitious goals regarding the green transition and growth. The competitiveness of businesses is closely tied to a functional and attractive city. A key question is, what kind of city should Vaasa be to attract both new and existing industries and residents to pursue their dreams and a good life. This requires determined urban development, supported by the use of research knowledge in decision-making. As a Professor of Practice, I want to support this development and build collaboration models that benefit both the university and the city, says Ruoppila.

Towards more systematic urban research collaboration with the “Vaasa Model”

At the heart of Ruoppila’s professorship is the development of the so-called “Vaasa Model”: a collaborative structure that broadly connects the university’s expertise to the city’s development. The work will begin with analysis of the status quo and a review of international collaboration models. The goal is to create a long-term and impactful form of collaboration that supports sustainable growth of the region.

– The University of Vaasa already conducts a great deal of research related to urban and regional development. I want to bring more systematic structure and societal impact to this work, Ruoppila explains.

According to Ruoppila, there are high expectations globally for city–university collaboration. Research universities are key resources for regional development, and there is a growing desire to harness their potential more effectively at the local level.

– In Vaasa, this is already exemplified by the EnergyVaasa cluster, where the university actively collaborates with other higher education institutions, companies, and authorities, Ruoppila says.

He emphasises that the most interesting models are those not dependent on individual projects or people but built on long-term and systematic cooperation. Developing such models is significant both academically and practically.

Strong expertise in urban studies

Ruoppila has extensive academic and practical experience in urban studies. He has authored one hundred scientific and professional publications and has been involved in several international research networks. He holds the title of docent at the University of Turku and has supervised and examined several doctoral dissertations.

– I look forward to exploring how the research conducted here relates to urban and regional development, especially from the perspectives of growth and its management. I also look forward to discussions with the municipality about what kind of research collaboration there currently is and what it could become, Ruoppila says.

The part-time professorship, based in the School of Management, will last for two years.

Further information

Professor of Practice Sampo Ruoppila, tel. 0405926629