Mr. Tomi Paalosmaa, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK), Finland
Tomi Paalosmaa is a Finnish innovation strategist, project manager, and researcher with a diverse professional background spanning smart city development, sustainability, and innovation ecosystems. Currently serving as a Senior Specialist, Project Manager, and Lecturer at the Design Centre MUOVA, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, he leads co-creation initiatives and sustainability strategies in projects such as Design PSS and Enertelligence. His academic work focuses on energy transition, digitalization, stakeholder engagement, and trust in innovation ecosystems. With prior experience at the University of Vaasa’s InnoLab and City of Vaasa, he has contributed significantly to projects involving smart mobility, low-carbon strategies, and citizen engagement. A passionate advocate for mental health, Paalosmaa also lectures as an expert by experience in mental healthcare. Earlier in his career, he held executive roles in the Nordic film distribution industry. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges technology, design, policy, and community well-being, making him a unique contributor to both academic and applied innovation landscapes.
Professional Profile:
SCOPUS
Summary of Suitability: Tomi Paalosmaa – Research for Best Researcher Award
Tomi Paalosmaa is a highly versatile and impactful candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, distinguished by his multifaceted contributions to innovation ecosystems, smart city development, sustainability strategies, and user-centered co-creation in both public and private sector research environments. With a unique blend of academic insight, applied research, and practical innovation leadership, his work embodies the integration of research excellence with societal relevance.
🎓 Education
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Doctoral Researcher (Ongoing)
University of Vaasa – Innovation and ecosystem development, sustainability, energy transition, smart cities, co-creation, stakeholder engagement
(Publications being written at JUFO level)
💼 Work Experience
🏛️ Academia & Research
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Senior Specialist / Project Manager / Lecturer
Design Centre MUOVA, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK) | 2023–Present
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Project Manager: 🇫🇮 Design PSS (Finnish Government), Enertelligence (EAKR), Port of Vaasa Innovation Ecosystem
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Lecturer: Course on co-creation in innovation ecosystems (2025→)
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Academic writer and ecosystem developer
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Project Researcher
University of Vaasa – InnoLab | 2022–2023
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Research on transition risks, smart governance, trust-building, stakeholder co-creation
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Port of Vaasa Innovation Ecosystem (POINT VaaSA)
🏙️ Public Sector & Smart City Development
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Project Manager – Development
City of Vaasa | 2021–2022
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Developed EV car-sharing “Mini-Lifti”, smart mobility and energy projects
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Applied for EU & national funding (Horizon, Interreg, Business Finland)
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Project Manager & Coordinator
City of Vaasa | 2020–2021
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Internal Auditor & Quality Developer
City of Vaasa | 2018–2020
🧠 Mental Health Advocacy
🎬 Creative & Media Industry
🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors
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🥇 Innovation Scholarship – Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (2019)
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🧠 Recognized contributor in smart city innovation, stakeholder engagement, and co-creation practices
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📣 Speaker and workshop leader at conferences and development forums
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💬 Mental health lecturer and peer support contributor in Finnish healthcare system
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💼 Leader in public-private partnership development and sustainable innovation ecosystems
Publication Top Notes:
Smart Cities and Product-Service Systems—A Conceptual Framework for Urban Sustainability