Ulla Lehtinen

I am a Senior Researcher at Micro-Entrepreneurship Centre of Excellence (MicroENTRE) at Kerttu Saalasti Institute and Oulu Business School at the University of Oulu, Finland. I hold a doctorate in industrial engineering and management. My main research field has been supply chain management especially concerning subcontracting industry and food sector. Her current research interest includes sustainability and circular economy among companies, development of microenterprises, entrepreneurial education and internationalization of SMEs.

My current projects include LAKU and MERVA which handled small tourism companies in rural areas. In 2023 we started new project called NOHEVA that concerns about wood construction and industrial tourism. During 2020-22 I worked as a project manager in in two projects: 1) LOGOKA - developing logistics for Business between Karelia and Oulu region (CBC Karelia) and 2) ARVO - developing low-carbon business ecosystem in a Nivala industrial park.

Previously, I have worked as a teacher, researcher, associate professor and project manager at the University of Oulu in the Industrial Engineering and Management, the Kajaani University Center and Oulu Business School in the years 1985-2017. Over 20 years I have worked in numerous business development projects especially in rural areas.