Research Division on Business Subsidies

Established in 2019, the Research Division on Business Subsidies produces information on the development of the business subsidy scheme and promotes the quality of impact assessment and the utilisation of research in policy-making and in public debate.

The Research Division on Business Subsidies is an independent body that operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (Government Decree 4/2019). 

Tasks and activities

According to the Government Decree, the Research Division is responsible for assessing the business subsidy scheme and in particular for:

  • drawing up an annual assessment of the development of the business subsidy scheme;
  • developing an effectiveness research methodology; and
  • carrying out independent assessments of business subsidies.

The Research Division aims to systematically build a stronger knowledge base on the effects of business subsidies.

The first annual report of the Research Division on Business Subsidies will be published in spring 2020.

The Research Division may commission and use external research in its work, but the members of the Division will also participate in the assessment and analysis work. Appropriations have been reserved for the Research Division for commissioning external research.

The Division has a secretary to assist with preparation and implementation.

Composition of the Research Division 2019-2013

During the term from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2023, the Research Division comprises Seija Ilmakunnas as the Chair and four other members: Professor Minna Martikainen (Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration Hanken), Professor Mikko Puhakka (University of Oulu), Professor Hannu Salonen (University of Turku), and Professor Rune Stenbacka (Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration Hanken) as the Vice Chair. All members of the Division have significant expertise in economics. The Chair and the members are elected for a term of four years.

Further information:

Secretary of the Division
Rasmus Reinikainen
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
Senior Specialist
rasmus.reinikainen(at)gov.fi
+358 295 047 113

Chair
Seija Ilmakunnas
Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics
Professor of Practice
seija.ilmakunnas(at)gmail.com
+358 50 362 9270