Finland’s state-owned research centre VTT will cut 175 jobs after concluding change negotiations linked to a new operating model and organisational overhaul.
VTT said the reductions would affect both research staff and support functions as the organisation reshapes its operations around new strategic priorities.
The negotiations covered more than 2,300 employees across the organisation. When the process began in April, VTT said up to 190 positions were at risk.
The restructuring will reduce VTT’s three business divisions to two new units named Digital systems and Materials and energy.
VTT said the changes aimed to strengthen cooperation between research fields, remove overlapping functions and create unified operating practices across the organisation.
The organisation also plans to establish a new unit focused on artificial intelligence and digital research capabilities. VTT said the move formed part of a broader effort to expand the use of AI in research work.
The new operating model will take effect on 1 August.
The organisation said it would provide support measures for affected employees during the transition.
VTT, formally known as the Technical Research Centre of Finland, plays a central role in Finnish industrial and technology research. The organisation works with companies, universities and public sector institutions on projects linked to energy, digital systems, materials technology and defence-related resilience.
The new strategy, scheduled for release on 3 June, will focus on sectors linked to Finland’s economic growth and competitiveness.
HT