The Finnish Foundation for Economic Education grants for research and education in business economics are open for application from 1 June to 15 August 2026
For more than 100 years, the Foundation for Economic Education (Liikesivistysrahasto) has contributed to the development of Finnish society through research and education grants, particularly in business economics. The foundation’s grant 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 related to success in:
- scaling companies’ business operations, innovation management, manufacturing, services, and business concepts in international markets
- utilizing digital channels and concepts
- pricing and sales
In the 2026 call for applications, particular emphasis is placed on the research of pricing and sales management.
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). The grant enables multi-year projects that generate solutions to current economic, business, and societal challenges. 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 doctoral or postdoctoral research for 4–12 month working periods following the application year. The annual grant (12 months) amounts to €27,000 for doctoral research and €32,000 for postdoctoral research. 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 1 October of the application year. 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 following the application year. Grants under the thematic special project may range from 4-12 to 12, 24 or 36 months. Research group grants are awarded for a 36-month period. 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 following the application year. 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 2026.