Building future technologies through collaboration and innovation

Today, I work as Vice President, Strategic R&D, a role focused on exploring future technologies, capabilities and innovations that shape Valmet’s competitive edge. No two days look the same. My work ranges from planning long-term R&D programs and identifying opportunities in international research networks to meeting stakeholders inside and outside Valmet. I also speak at seminars and panel discussions and build future collaboration opportunities for our teams.

The variety keeps the work inspiring. When I joined Valmet in 2016 as a Process Technology Manager in Stock Preparation R&D, the decision felt both natural and exciting. I had already collaborated with Valmet during my university years at the University of Jyväskylä, where much of my master’s and doctoral research in physics was linked to Valmet’s technologies. The company’s reputation, culture and innovation driven mindset had made a strong impression early on. By the time I officially joined, Valmet already felt familiar. 

My academic background in industrial physics and applied physics has provided a strong base for understanding complex technological phenomena. R&D offers endless opportunities for learning, and Valmet has supported my development at every stage. I have taken part in the Service Business Line’s talent program, worked as an IPR Manager while completing the “Patents, Industry and Technology” program at Aalto Executive Education, and later completed an MBA at the University of Northampton with the support of my managers.

Exploring new ideas and challenging conventional thinking

Throughout my career, I have been trusted with meaningful and challenging roles that have helped me grow. Valmet’s culture plays a central part in that. Collaboration and openness are essential in our work, and I have always felt encouraged to explore new ideas and challenge conventional thinking.

One of the most memorable experiences has been the Beyond Circularity Veturi Program, a large-scale R&D effort where more than 400 Valmeteers have contributed to turning waste and emissions into valuable resources. As the program concludes at the end of this year, we are focusing on carrying its best practices forward. The journey has been transformative for Valmet and our innovation ecosystem.

Viivi (on the right) speaking at Valmet's Beyond Circularity event, together with Virpi Puhakka, Director, Ecosystem, Valmet (in the middle).

The connection between my work and Valmet’s mission is clear. Research and development plays a central role in driving more efficient, sustainable and intelligent technologies. Focusing on the entire lifecycle of our technologies ensures we address environmental impacts where they matter most: during the use phase. Programs like Beyond Circularity move us closer to carbon neutrality and support the green transition across industries.

What motivates me most is the sense of purpose. I get to work on topics that genuinely matter for the future, supported by a long product lifecycle that can span several decades. Designing something that may operate for thirty-five, fifty or even up to one hundred years is both humbling and exciting.

Innovation happens through collaboration

For anyone considering a career at Valmet, my advice is to stay curious and build strong professional networks both inside and outside the company. Innovation happens through collaboration. The world develops quickly, and cross disciplinary knowledge is more valuable than ever. Furthermore, I encourage a commitment to lifelong learning as a cornerstone of professional growth.

If I had to describe Valmet in three words, they would be People, Technology and Lifecycle. We work together, we create intelligent technologies for the future, and we take responsibility for the whole lifecycle of our products.