Change Negotiations | VTT to Lay Off 175 Employees

Helsingin Sanomat reports on significant restructuring at VTT, Finland's leading applied research institution. The decision to lay off 175 employees, while regrettable, is presented as a necessary step for VTT to adapt and refocus its efforts. The article highlights that the change negotiations, which involved the entire staff of over 2,300, initially anticipated up to 190 redundancies, indicating a slight reduction in the final number.

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The negotiations were halted due to extremely demanding topics.

The restructuring involves merging three business areas into two: Digital Systems and Materials & Energy. This move aims to reduce overlap and streamline operations. Crucially, VTT is also establishing a new unit dedicated to the application of artificial intelligence in research, signaling a commitment to cutting-edge technological development. This proactive approach is essential for VTT to maintain its position as a driver of innovation and competitiveness for Finland.

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Our goal is to reach a negotiated solution.

Looking ahead, VTT will unveil its new strategy on June 3rd. This strategy is expected to emphasize areas critical to Finland's economic growth and competitiveness, alongside national security and the fostering of new startups. From a Finnish perspective, VTT's ability to adapt and innovate is paramount. While layoffs are never easy, the focus on strategic technological areas and AI demonstrates VTT's forward-looking vision, ensuring its continued relevance and contribution to the nation's future prosperity. This internal reorganization is viewed not just as a cost-saving measure, but as a strategic repositioning to better serve Finland's evolving technological needs.

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important technology areas for Finland's economic growth and competitiveness