Valtteri Kaartemo
Collegium Researcher, International Business, D.Sc. (Econ.). Turku Institute for Advanced Studies (TIAS)
The Call to Adventure: Questions Sparking a Journey
At the heart of our rapidly evolving digital world, two realms converge—humans and technology. In a flurry of zeros and ones (and qubits), we stand, interacting, engaging, and adapting. But amidst this mesmerizing dance, we often overlook a crucial question: How can we, as humans, meaningfully engage with technology in a way that ensures a sustainable transition of our industrial systems?
Similarly, humans and markets – the vast and vibrant ecosystems where values, needs, and wants intersect – have their unique dance. Yet, as we sway to the rhythm of supply and demand, we must pause and ponder: How can we shape these markets to resonate with the tune of sustainability?
These compelling questions, each a beacon in its own right, have spurred my journey into the heart of a unique research project focused on sustainable market shaping.
Into the Labyrinth: Deciphering Human-Technology Relations and Sustainable Market Shaping
Guided by the double helix of postphenomenology and systems theory, my project delves into the complex maze of human-technology relations. Like a potter at the wheel, we explore how humans can mold and shape technology toward sustainability, redefining their interaction in a way that nurtures our world.
Simultaneously, we plunge into the swirling vortex of markets, employing a lens honed by service ecosystem design and market-shaping literature. Our quest? To uncover how market actors—companies, policymakers, and individuals—can influence markets to align with the ideals of sustainable development.
This intertwined narrative unfolds across three interrelated sub-themes: development of a conceptual understanding of sustainable market shaping, exploration of research methods to support such shaping, and providing empirical evidence on this fascinating interplay between humans, technology, and sustainable markets.
The Hero’s Return: The Future We Create
As we journey along this winding path, our findings are not merely signposts in an academic landscape. They are potent seeds of transformation, with the potential to reshape the dynamics of our markets, our relationship with technology, and ultimately, our planet.
In a world often caught in a tug-of-war between technological advancement and environmental preservation, my research project carves out a path of harmony—a trail that leads to a future where markets serve our planet and technology is our ally in sustainability.
Your participation in this journey holds immeasurable value. As we delve deeper into this remarkable interplay between humans, technology, and sustainable markets, I invite you to stay connected. Follow this blog site and/or my LinkedIn profile (www.linkedin.com/in/kaartemo) for regular updates on published articles related to the theme and exclusive insights into the progress.
Are you intrigued by my work? Do you see potential areas for collaboration or have ideas to share? If so, I would be delighted to hear from you. Feel free to reach out (valtteri.kaartemo@utu.fi), and together, we can shape a sustainable future, one quantum leap at a time.
