Juho Malmberg aims to enhance impact as Chairman of the Board of the Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion

Juho Malmberg is an engineer and professional board member with extensive leadership experience at companies such as Accenture, KONE, and OP Group. As Chairman of the Board of the Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion, he aims to enhance the foundation’s impact, responsibility, and sustainable financial management.

Could you briefly introduce yourself? What motivated you to join the board of the Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion?

“I am Juho Malmberg, an engineer currently working as a professional board member. In my career I have held roles such as Chief Technology Officer and CEO at Accenture Finland, a leadership position in development as a member of KONE’s executive board, and a role overseeing technology and development as an executive board member at OP Group.

Technology is close to my heart and has been a recurring theme throughout my career. I believe that technology can help us solve many major global challenges, and that education and research in the field of technology are crucial for Finland’s success and competitiveness. When the foundation invited me to join the board, it was an easy decision to say yes!”

What kind of expertise do you bring to the foundation's board?

“As chairman, leadership skills are, of course, essential. Throughout my career, I have developed company strategies and led various projects. My leadership experience enables me to distinguish what is essential and what is less so.

Another crucial skill for a chairman is the ability to work with different kinds of people. I strive to inspire the foundation’s board and administration to give their very best.”

What is the most important role of the Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion, and how is it reflected in its work?

“The most important role of the foundation is to advance academic education and research in the field of technology in Finland. While the world around us has changed since the foundation was established in 1949, its core purpose has remained the same.

This purpose is reflected in our commitment to supporting Finnish technology research and studies with nearly one million euros in funding each year.”

What kind of initiatives or goals do you want to advance as Chairman of the Board of the foundation?

“I believe the key priority is improving our impact—specifically, how much funding we can distribute in grants. The more we can support doctoral dissertations, PhD studies, and postdoctoral research, the more impactful our work as a foundation becomes.

A crucial part of this is the sustainable management of the foundation’s assets. As a board, we are committed to carefully managing the wealth that has accumulated over the foundation’s 75-year history. We aim for a reasonable return on our capital, which will allow us to increase the amount of grants we can award in the future.

Additionally, we are strengthening the role of sustainability in the foundation’s activities. We want every grant applicant to describe how their research topic supports sustainability, and we will take these considerations into account in our funding decisions. In our asset management, we also strive to understand factors such as the carbon footprint of our wealth and investments, and we aim to direct our investments toward opportunities that align with our sustainability goals.”

It is possible to donate to the Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion, for example, through corporate donations. Why should companies consider donating to the foundation?

“The Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion uses its funds to support research in the field of technology. Making a donation to the foundation is a long-term way to support technological research and the quality of education in the field.

A donation pays off in the form of more skilled professionals, innovations, and competitiveness for our society. Through a donation, a company can be part of something bigger than itself—the ongoing advancement of Finnish technology research.”