Oulu Business School’s RCF founded project explores the role of business in shaping national identity
The joint project between the Oulu Business School and Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), titled International Entrepreneurship as an Engine of National Identity, combines theories and concepts from business and geography with methods of historical research.
Focusing on three key Finnish industries – the forest industry, design, and ICT – and six companies within them, the project aims to shed light on historical developments and to identify business practices that have helped shape the Finnish national identity.
From globalization to a renaissance of nation-states
“Globalization has defined international business for decades, but recently we’ve begun to speak about a renaissance of nation-states,” says Professor Tuija Mainela.
According to Mainela, the importance of national identity grows in such times.
“Not long ago, it was easy to claim that national borders didn’t matter much in global business. Today, national identity – and what each company represents – can be expected to play a much greater role.”
Economic and political fragmentation has particularly contributed to this shift.
“It’s important to understand how business is linked to national identity and to international engagement, because we are again living in a polarized world,” Mainela continues.
In its funding decisions, the Research Council of Finland emphasized scientific renewal. The research phenomenon at the core of the project is new: the connection between international entrepreneurship and national identity has not previously been studied from this perspective or across a time span of more than 160 years. The project takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating business, geography, and history.
Industry studies provide the context for companies’ actions
By examining industries, the project seeks to understand the context and situations in which companies have operated during different geopolitical periods. The specific characteristics of each sector add unique dimensions to the research.
“For example, economic cycles have strongly influenced the forest industry, while evolving artistic trends have shaped the design sector,” Mainela explains. “In the ICT industry, technological development in particular defines how companies operate.”
The selected companies have all expanded rapidly into international markets. Archival materials help reveal how entrepreneurs and executives reflect on their decisions at different moments in history.
Some of the sources date back as far as 150 years, including letters written in the 19th century, while the youngest company under study is 35 years old.
Raising awareness of companies’ national role
The study will help business leaders and entrepreneurs understand their broader role in society beyond economics. It aims to highlight how business activity contributes to the formation of national identity, a theme that resonates with every Finn.
“Old sayings illustrate how business is tied to Finnishness – that Finland stands on two legs, one of metal and one of wood,” Mainela notes.
Business decisions made by Finnish companies can evoke strong emotions because they touch on national identity.
“It was fittingly said that when Nokia sold its mobile phone business, many felt that Finland had given up its crown jewel.”
Professor Tuija Mainela received €484,188 in Research Council of Finland funding for the project International Entrepreneurship as an Engine of National Identity in summer 2025. The four-year interdisciplinary collaboration between the Oulu Business School and LUT University involves ten researchers from the fields of business, geography, and history.