The collaboration between Metsä Group and the University of Oulu generates new knowledge, fosters innovation, and addresses the challenges of sustainable development — all of which are crucial for Finland's international competitiveness.
Metsä Group and the University of Oulu work closely together in research and education to advance the forest industry and support students as they transition into working life. This long-term partnership has led to numerous projects that not only develop cutting-edge, research-based solutions for the forest industry but also enhance interaction between students and the company.
According to Katariina Kemppainen, Metsä Group's Research and Development Manager, universities are vital research partners for companies, whether it involves long-term research or shorter-term development work tailored to the company’s needs.
"Together with the University of Oulu, we conduct industrially significant basic research that helps us build new expertise, drive innovation, and tackle the challenges of sustainable development. This work is also key to maintaining Finland's international competitiveness," Kemppainen explains.
Arto Maaninen, Vice Rector for Cooperation at the University of Oulu, highlights the value of this partnership, noting that it opens new doors for students and researchers alike. It also provides opportunities to apply and test the latest technologies in real-world settings, allowing both parties to grow and learn from each other.
"At the University of Oulu, we need strategic company partners like Metsä Group with whom we can collaborate beyond individual projects — engaging in strategic planning and visioning," says Maaninen.
"Through this partnership, both the University of Oulu and Metsä Group have refined their working methods and gained valuable insights at many levels. Our shared long-term goals and mutual commitment to development make this cooperation successful. We cannot solve these important challenges alone."
Smooth pathways to working life
One of the most important shared goals between Metsä Group and the University of Oulu is to help students transition smoothly into working life and to ensure that the university continues to produce top experts for industry needs. Student collaboration includes, for example, guest lectures and thesis projects guided by Metsä Group's experts.
"We want to support students on their journey into the working life and help universities teach practical skills that are valuable to companies, ensuring a smooth transition from education to employment," says Katariina Kemppainen.
"We offer modern and diverse workplaces for future talent across various fields. Summer internships and thesis opportunities, for example, are excellent ways for students to showcase their skills to potential employers," Kemppainen adds.
Researchers and companies need each other
Metsä Group and the University of Oulu are engaged in joint research projects on topics such as the use of inorganic by-products from the forest industry in the circular economy and more resource-efficient pulp production methods that can reduce emissions. The university’s extensive research expertise in areas like cybersecurity, robotics, and process engineering is also leveraged to explore and develop new technological solutions.
The development of future solutions depends on top researchers and the challenges posed by industry.
"Metsä Group relies on cutting-edge research to develop new solutions, which is one reason why they are leaders in their field," says Kaisa Still, Customer Manager at the University of Oulu Innovation Centre.
"Research aligned with a company's interests is a perfect example of cooperation that benefits all parties. The researcher faces an intriguing challenge and gains insight into the company’s expertise and business environment. Meanwhile, the university conducts socially impactful research, and the company gains fresh perspectives on its challenges along with cutting-edge research expertise," Still continues.
"Completing a dissertation, like all research, requires perseverance, goal-orientation, efficiency, and problem-solving — skills that companies also need to overcome their challenges," adds Kemppainen, who holds a PhD in forest industry side-stream processing.
One example of broader successful research collaboration is Business Finland’s leading company project, ExpandFibre. This R&D collaboration and ecosystem, initiated by Fortum and Metsä Group, aims to accelerate the development of sustainable bioproducts. ExpandFibre includes several projects, such as the University of Oulu’s FurBio, which is focused on developing new furfural-derived resins and biobased biocomposites reinforced with natural fibres.