Riina Luoma
Data Intensive Economy Research at VTT – Research Team Leader
POSITION, COMPANY
Riina has 25 years of experience in the telecom sector, B2B professional services and data infrastructures in platform and cloud-based businesses through various corporate roles. A recipient of both the Nokia Quality Award and the Nokia Innovation Award, she also served as the Data Ecosystem Lead for the LuxTurrim5G consortium. Riina has steered analytics solutions from R&D to go-to-market (G2M) stages across pan-India, APAC, and Europe as well as data strategy for a Nokia Global Services unit. Riina was recently selected to Nordic 100 in Data, Analytics and AI list and is currently working in one the leading Technology, Research and Innovation organisations, VTT, as RTL for Data Intensive Economy. Her mission is to help businesses to harness the data capital and development of cross-sectoral value networks to enhance both business performance and societal resilience.
OVERVIEW OF THE JOB
Research team leader in RTO organisation works on a wide range of tasks encompassing people management and leadership work for different time horizons on strategic and operational planning, building and maintaining internal and external partnerships, planning, building and operating research projects and consortiums as well as the actual research work.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU
Everyday work with intelligent people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints has been my constant source of inspiration as well as opportunity for continuous learning and self-growth at both Nokia and VTT.
TYPICAL WORKING DAY
In my line of work, it varies quite a lot. Day can contain research work alone or with a team, company discussions, lot of facilitation, coordination, networking, project and general management as well as reading, discussions, participating in events etc to make sure we do the right things today and tomorrow, timely and that people are happy and productive in their work.
STUDY & CAREER PATH
I studied in Universities in Finland and UK. At Nokia Corporation the self-learning was constant through work, but also by courses and education programs provided. For early career it’s a good idea to seek employers who encourage continuous learning and cater for, support that. It’s also important to maintain professional skills a) relevancy b) wide, diverse range.
KEY SKILLS
I need 40-50 different skills in total from all categories, but the most important categories are the management, people, personal and social skills, communication and business.
CAREER PROSPECT
Overall in technology related management, research, development and innovation, business development and international collaboration.
CHALLENGES
The speed, depth and width of the world changing around us from societal, technology and business perspectives – need to know what is relevant, what will be important to know in years to come.
YOUR ADVICE TO STUDENTS
Learn to respect and listen other people, remain humble - it will take you far. Always take good yourself psychophysically and find good mentors and coaches as early as possible.
YOUR ADVICE TO TEACHERS AND PARENTS
Same advice as to students …