The security and continuity of the energy supply – heat, electricity and fuels – was essential for the farm’s sustainable business. The farm also produced energy products – wood chips and firewood for the farm's own use and charcoal for sale with other entrepreneurs in the region. In addition to observing the living laboratory of the family farm, the bookshelf and newspaper table were full of materials to read – most importantly, a popular science magazine about scientific developments, each issue of which I read from cover to cover.
My childhood experiences and the environment in which I grew up had a significant influence on my decision to study forest sciences at the University of Joensuu (now the University of Eastern Finland). My broader interest in energy-related policy, sustainability dimensions, and business opportunities was opened up in a research group on forest energy and bioenergy which encouraged to academic creative thinking which I joined when I was studying to become a forester.
My interest in international questions and a desire to understand the world holistically, in turn, led me to study in the Erasmus Mundus funded European Forestry double Master' s Degree programme with the University of Eastern Finland and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet) as my home universities. In these studies, I became familiar with the multidimensional political, sociocultural, ecological and economic aspects related to sustainable land use both in Europe and outside Europe – not only in theory but also in practical discussions with fellow students from all over the world. The professional teacher qualification I have completed at the professional teacher education college of Oulu University of Applied Sciences. To satisfy the continuous researcher's thirst for knowledge, I am currently deepening my expertise in management, language studies and circular economy. I am also doing doctoral studies.
Coincidence or not – I am now a researcher. In my research, I am driven by the desire to build opportunities for a good life in the regions. If my research has an impact on people being able to live meaningful lives, build new businesses and establish their future in a region, I feel that I have succeeded as a researcher in my deepest sense. Research does not take place in a vacuum, but in collaboration with various partners, through discussions and encounters, producing scientifically and socially impactful and meaningful research-based knowledge. Success does not happen alone, but together.
In January 2026, I started as a project researcher in the Sustainable Energy Business (SEB) research group, where I explore the multidimensional holistic connections between energy and sustainable functioning of society, regional development, and the creation of new businesses. I am currently doing research on rooting green transition investments into the region’s business ecosystems and the associated added value creation, its regional factors, and entrepreneurship in the Added Value from Sustainable Energy Business (ARVO) project.
My scientifically creative work as a researcher is balanced by physically creative activities such as singing, dancing and gardening. Nature and forest environments, on the other hand, are important sources of well-being and places for reflection for me. I still find watching firewood burning fascinating – although now also through the eyes of a researcher.
Author: Tanja Kähkönen, MSc, Project Researcher, University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, Sustainable Energy Business Research Group (SEB)
Photo: Minna Kilpeläinen
In Kerttu Saalasti Institute's blog we write about the topics of the Institute's research groups, micro entrepreneurship education and the Institute's general topics. The authors are researchers, experts and members of networks.
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