Elena works as a Junior Analyst at 4FRONT and her tasks include collecting and analysing data in evaluation and research assignments, among others. She is also a postgraduate student in Economics at the University of Helsinki. Elena’s particular strengths are in quantitative and qualitative analyses, and she is passionate about innovation economics, economics of the public sector, and sustainable development.

Valtteri is responsible for evaluation, research and analysis assignments at 4FRONT. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences from the University of Helsinki. Valtteri has experience in subjects concerning start-up and innovation ecosystems, public sector support policies as well as regional development and economics. He has conducted several research and analysis assignments for ministries, public agencies and third sector organisations.

Anne-Mari is responsible for regional innovation ecosystems and platforms and research policy related assignments at 4FRONT. She holds Ph.D. in Economics and Business Administration from University of Tampere.

Anne-Mari has 25 years of experience in service business development, university-business cooperation models, regional innovation systems and programme based economic development policy. She has worked in various research, teaching and administrative positions in universities, as expert for planning and execution of innovation and economic development programmes in Finland and abroad, and different other roles in innovation and development.

Anne-Mari is passionate about systemic innovations, innovation platforms, sustainable societal development and facilitation methods.

Hanna’s work at 4FRONT relates to project management, communication and information collection & analysis. Hanna holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Tampere and has 15 years’ experience e.g. in project coordination and activation tasks both at national and international level. Hanna enjoys boosting stakeholder interaction and user-centric approach in projects. In addition, Hanna is one of the backbones for confirming systematic and unified internal processes at 4FRONT, especially in sales.

Helka is responsible for project-related fact-finding and analyses at 4FRONT. She holds an MSc degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of London and has strong experience in analysing social phenomena and conducting both qualitative and quantitative research. Helka is interested in impactful processes and finding new ways to support sustainable development.

Kalle has a particular responsibility over analysis and advice for research, development and innovation policy. His expertise is evaluation and impact assessment of policy instruments, and foresight methods.

Kalle holds a degree of Doctor of Science (Technology) with Honors and the Title of Docent. He is an external Adjunct Professor of Innovation Management at Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business and Management. He has previously worked as a Researcher and Assistant Professor at Technical University of Denmark, Department of Management Engineering and as a Visiting Researcher at Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management. His research and teaching combined innovation studies, foresight and design, which contribute together to design of sustainable products, services and systems. Prior to that, Kalle has been working with Rambøll Management Consulting on policy advisory and evaluation. He has delivered multiple evaluations and studies for international clients, including European and Finnish institutions.

Kalle is interested in effectiveness and design of policy and instruments to spur new discoveries in science and technology.

Vesa is responsible for the development of evaluation business and new methods and services at 4FRONT. He holds a degree in social science (M.Soc.Sci) and is a PhD student at the University of Tampere School of Management, preparing a doctoral dissertation on evaluation.

Vesa has strong experience in evaluations and other analytical studies. He has conducted more than 60 assignments for ministries, public agencies, and international organisations, such as the European Commission, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Vesa is especially interested in policies related to high-growth companies, startups, startup ecosystems, and business support instruments.