The Finnish Foundation for Economic Education grants for research and education in business economics are open for application from 1 June to 15 August 2025
For 105 years, the Foundation for Economic Education (Liikesivistysrahasto) has contributed to the development of Finnish society by supporting research and education in business studies, particularly in the fields of business economics. The 2025 focus areas are part of long-term support for business, entrepreneurship, and Finland’s economic growth. Grants may be applied for by individuals, research and working groups, as well as organizations. The applicant’s background may be outside the field of business and represent new interdisciplinary perspectives. Grants are not awarded for undergraduate or graduate degree studies.
The thematic special project Innovation, Commercialization, and Growth focuses on key areas essential to strengthening Finland’s competitiveness. In enhancing the competitiveness of Finnish companies, commercialization is often linked to:
- successful scaling of companies’ business operations, innovation management, manufacturing, services, and business concepts in international markets
- successful utilization of digital channels and concepts
- as well as successful pricing.
Grants applied for under the thematic special project may span 1 to 3 years and are intended to support business research that promotes the competitiveness of Finnish companies.
The three-year research group grant is open to groups led by a Principal Investigator (PI). This multi-year grant offers a unique opportunity to focus on collaborative research that seeks solutions to current, significant issues for business and society. Research group members are doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. A plan for building an international research network is required as part of the application.
Individuals and working groups can apply for grants for 4–12 months of doctoral or postdoctoral research work in 2026. In addition to research work, a separate application can be submitted for one conference trip.
Target (cost) grants are also available for conference travel, research visits, or other study trips. Organizations may apply for funding to organize conferences. Conferences may take place prior to the grant awards, starting from October 1, 2025. Note: No preliminary decisions will be made regarding the grants to be announced at the end of November.
Other purposes: We especially encourage the development of international research consortia or networks through groups. Grants may also be applied for other clearly defined purposes specified in the application.
In accordance with the rules of the special funds, support may also be awarded to applicant groups specifically designated by donors.
Read more about the grant guidelines:
Grant Period
Individual working grants of 4–12 months are awarded for the calendar year 2026. Grants under the thematic special project may range from 12 to 36 months, starting from 1 January 2026. Research group grants are awarded for a 36-month period from 1 January 2026, to 31 December 2028. PI (Principal Investigator) specifies the working periods of the group members, which may range from 12 to 36 months.
Conference travels, research visits, or other study trips, as well as the organization of conferences or seminars, may take place starting from 1 October 2025. However, no preliminary decisions will be made regarding the grants to be announced at the end of November.
Grant applications must be submitted through the online application system during the application period from 1 June to 15 August 2025.