A Renewing and Sustainably Vibrant Southwest Finland as the Theme of the Foresight Forum
Join us in shaping the future of creative growth!
Wednesday
19 August 2026 from 12:00 onwards
SS Bore, Turku
Welcome to the annual Foresight Forum of the Foresight Academy on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, to discuss and co-create ideas on how to promote renewal and sustainable growth in Southwest Finland.
The afternoon’s expert presentations will provide perspectives on technological development, the utilisation of artificial intelligence, and the opportunities of the creative economy in building a sustainable and vibrant region. Join us to gain inspiration from the speakers, exchange ideas, and contribute to actions that accelerate bold future investments.
Register here by Friday, 14 August!
Programme
12:00–12:15 Opening remarks
12:15–13:45 Expert presentations
- Humanoid robots and other radical technologies
Maria Höyssä, Senior Researcher, Finland Futures Research Centre / Permanent Expert, Parliamentary Committee for the Future - Opportunities of the creative economy for regional vitality
Irina Kujanpää, Head of Research Group, Creative Economy Research Unit, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences - Creative growth: prerequisites and opportunities
Higher education perspective:
Timo Tanskanen, Director, Arts Academy, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Business perspective:
Antti Eklund, Eklund Art Factory Ltd
13:45–14:10 Coffee break
14:10–15:40 Solutions workshop
15:40 Closing remarks and end of the event
Further information
Esa Högblom
Regional Council of Southwest Finland
Ira Ahokas
University of Turku