In spring 2020 Suomen Ulkomaankaupan Edistämisrahasto (SUE) [the Finnish foreign trade promotion fund], the University of Lapland, and the University of Eastern Finland signed a collaboration agreement with an aim to support Master’s theses that address the internationalisation or export of companies in Lapland and eastern Finland. This spring’s grant application period starts on 1 May 2021.

Twice a year the universities perform an initial selection and give a proposal to SUE on the Master’s theses to be supported. The amount allocated to each thesis is 2,500 euros, of which half is paid to the author after the Board of SUE has approved the support and another half after the faculty has approved the thesis.

The core issues are the quality of the research plan and its level of ambition. In addition, after the research plan has been approved, the research is to be finalised within the schedule defined by universities.

The thesis is to comply with one of the following criteria:

• It is related to the internationalisation or export of businesses in Lapland or eastern Finland
• It is related to the internationalisation or export of the Finnish business sector
• It is written in cooperation with one or several local businesses aiming for internationalisation OR in cooperation with a local actor promoting internationalisation (e.g. ELY or the chambers of commerce)

The plan should manifest a clear connection between the study and international trade. Further, the research should present new or unknown themes that have not been studied much thus far.

When the thesis is ready, its results are presented to the industry, delivered to the media, and communicated broadly through social media to businesses and the industry.

How to apply?

As regards the University of Lapland, the recipient proposals are to be emailed by 31 May 2021 (14:00) to the Vice-Rector responsible for education (satu.uusiautti[at]ulapland.fi). The proposal is to be sent by the thesis supervisor after checking that the mentioned requirements are met. The proposal must include the thesis study plan (3–5 pages) and the supervisor’s recommendation. The Steering Committee of Study and Teaching Development process the applications and present the candidates to the Board of SUE by 15 June 2021.

We hope to get many applications

Students and supervisors are encouraged not to hesitate in defining the theme of the thesis and to actively apply for funding for both scientific and artistic theses. The faculties of the University of Lapland conduct multifaceted research that is connected to international business in various ways.

The SUE grant has been distributed twice before, in spring 2020 and in autumn 2020. You may read about Joonas Ervasti’s thesis (Faculty of Social Sciences) at https://www.ulapland.fi/news/Grant-from-Suomen-ulkomaankaupan-edistamisrahasto-awarded-to-Joonas-Ervasti/38394/08a6c836-e260-497d-9999-5bf3cb14f28f

Further information
Satu Uusiautti, Vice-Rector Responsible for Education, satu.uusiautti(at)ulapland.fi
Jukka Salo, SUE Foundation Representative jukka.salo(at)kris-vasco.fi