About.
Markku Wilenius
Dr Markku Wilenius is a Professor of Futures Studies in the Turku School of Economics at the University of Turku. He also holds the position of UNESCO Chair in Learning Society and Futures of Education.
Markku has been researching, publishing and speaking about future studies for more than 25 years. During this time, he has worked in all areas of future studies and sustainable development. Over the last 15 years, he has been working with various governments, businesses, public sector organisations and NGOs using strategic intelligence to make key decisions.
He is president of the Walter Ahlström and Runar Bäckström foundations and a supporter of innovation and sustainable technology development. From 2007 to 2010, Markku worked with Allianz, the world’s largest private insurer where he led their strategic research and development and was praised for his research innovations and ideas. He is a highly accomplished speaker and author, with many books and research papers to his name. In 2001, he was awarded the International Aurelio Peccei Prize by the L’eta Verde organisation, based in Rome.
Markku’s CV and Publications can be viewed here!
Some of his research interests and ongoing projects include:
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Climate change and the new energy futures.
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Future development of urban cores regarding revitalisation.
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Wicked socio-economic problems.
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The future of organisational excellence.
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Global trends and future paths of the bio-economy.
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Futures literacy for education institutes wordwide.
“As a superior, Markku is a pleasure to work with. He is a pioneering professional with excellent communication and leadership skills. Markku does not only give tasks and assignments but is always willing to hear new out-of-the-box ideas from his employees and is often inspired by them. If one needs expertise consulting on megatrends, challenges and visions for the future, Markku Wilenius is the person to contact.”
— Krista Heinonen / A former colleague
For 10 years, Markku has been a member of the Club of Rome, one of the most prestigious NGOs in the world. He is also a member of various groups and organisations, including:
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LUOTSI
The strategic foresight group at the Prime Minister’s office in Finland.
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SITRA
The Finnish Innovation Fund a fund directly accountable to the Finnish Parliament.
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IPCC
The Finnish Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) working group.
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World Resources Forum
The scientific committee of the World Resources Forum.
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Global Challenges journal
The editorial board of the Global Challenges journal.
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National Audit Office of Finland
The scientific advisory committee for the National Audit Office of Finland