MTT Agrifood Research Finland - strategy Target for 2015 and operating model set for achieving it

POSITIONING OF MTT 2008  2015 "hierarchical/ regimented rigid" "networked, flexible, prepared for change" "budget-orientated government office" "focus on the customer process/funding from the customer" MTT in 2008 MTT vision for 2015

Our mission and vision What we do: our mission Our research promotes the well-being of consumers, the competitiveness of the agriculture and food processing sector, sustainable use of natural resources, the quality of production and the natural environment and the vitality of the countryside. Where we want to be: our vision for 2015 We are an internationally known and recognised research institute which produces new operating models and new technology to drive the food processing and energy production industries as well as information and solutions to support societal decision-making and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Our values Customer orientation Professional expertise and innovation Ethics A healthy work community Operational effectiveness

Our core processes Everything we do is based on three core processes: –research and expert services –information and technology transfer –marketing Auxiliary processes: –financial services –human resources management –international support –machinery services –property services –field and animal services –laboratory services –information services The management process combines core processes and the expertise development process

Our research methodology We strengthen programme-based research. Research that aims to solve problems calls for a cross-disciplinary approach. We network internationally and promote researcher exchange. Research is designed interactively with customers, research partners and funding agencies. We generate added value for our customers and enjoy extensive influence. We work in close cooperation with the value chain comprising research, teaching, consultancy and organisations responsible for turning ideas into products. The long-term estimated economic and societal effect is a key criterion in prioritising research topics.

Our goals 1.Developing the sustainability of agriculture and food processing to fit the needs of society 2. Developing the production of and technological choices related to agriculture and food processing 3. Developing the quality of food products and non food products 4. Biomaterials and bioenergy production 5. Developing societal steering mechanisms

Our consultancy services Support for European and national policies for agriculture, rural communities, consumer markets, energy and the environment Support for managing plant production and domestic animal production Maintenance of nuclear plant material Support for preparing regulations for agriculture and food processing technology Services for businesses, such as testing and analysis services Internet-based services for different target groups Implementation of national gene pool programmes for agricultural and garden plants and animals National agricultural greenhouse gas emissions calculation Developing a management system for natural resources data Understanding food markets and the way they operate, incl. global markets

Information and technology transfer and marketing We mould research findings into a purposeful format. We make sure that the information reaches the customer. We are proactive in public discourse. Our customers and interest groups can use the information to develop their business as well as having access to services and products that they need. Information and technology transfers are realised in cooperation with other professionals. In information transfer, we rely on cooperation with the Finnish Rural Advisory Centre and enterprises. We make use of customer feedback. We aim for long-term customer relationships and we actively seek new customers.

Management and the working community Knowledgeable staff are a condition for successful operations. A healthy working community is one of the values that guides everything we do. A light decision-making and administration model is a core criterion for good management. We are part of a scientific community, which means that we are partially responsible for researcher training, for example. We carry out long-term human resources planning, which strengthens our competitiveness. We strive to build a positive employer image. Our management system is based on EFQM practices supports successful operations, which have national and international importance supports team work and a project-orientated operating model supports community spirit, team spirit and opportunities for influencing supports the development of expertise, innovativeness, interaction and well-being at work promotes corporate social responsibility

Expertise We develop our research expertise through scientific publications and by taking part in international cooperation. We support postgraduate degrees, including post doctoral studies. Proper training and opportunities for development at work drive expertise and job satisfaction. We promote the external and internal mobility of our employees. We emphasise the importance of programme-based research activities in making use of multi-disciplinary expertise.

Internationality Internationality is a key means of building up our expertise and sourcing research funding. Cooperation with national and international universities and research institutes will be increased so as to make MTT Agrifood Research Finland a key part of the research community. We support the mobility and international exchange of researchers as part of their career. Working within an international research group in the early stages of a researcher's career helps researchers to orientate on their research work as well as generating important international contacts. We make efficient use of our partnership networks and multi-disciplinary resources. International cooperation with other research institutes is becoming increasingly important. Our international scientific advisory board supports the targeting of research and promotes our internationalisation.

Our aspirations in terms of influence Promoting balanced regional development and the vitality of the countryside Ensuring the profitability of agriculture and gardens and the competitiveness of enterprises as well as the continuation of agricultural production throughout the country Producing high-quality raw materials for the needs of the food processing chain Reducing the environmental nutrient loading in agricultural production Increasing renewable energy production Promoting the quality and safety of food products Protecting the health of humans and animals and the environment, reducing risks affecting consumers and promoting animal welfare