As WISE, a Wärtsilä-led innovation programme, reaches its midpoint, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the insights and experiences that have shaped the journey so far, and to look ahead to what comes next.
Since its launch, WISE – Wide and Intelligent Sustainable Energy – has brought together companies, research organisations and academic partners around a shared ambition: advancing future energy solutions through collaboration and co-innovation. Reflecting on the journey so far, WISE Ecosystem Lead Eleonor “Elli” Hedström sees ecosystem development as a continuous process of learning, collaboration and adaptation.
Looking back at the start of the project, Hedström recalls approaching the opportunity with confidence, supported by lessons gained from previous Veturi programmes. Veturi ecosystem programs are Business Finland initiatives, designed to bring companies, research organisations and other partners together around shared innovation goals. At the same time, building something new brought excitement, curiosity and the uncertainty that naturally comes when taking on a new challenge.
Despite the unknowns, Hedström has been guided by her mindset of learning along the way. Inspired by a well-known quote from Pippi Longstocking, the beloved children's book character, her attitude towards new opportunities has been simple:
"I have never done this before, so I'm sure I will be able to do this."
What positively surprised the team was the interest in WISE, which exceeded expectations. During the first year alone, the programme held roughly 500 introductory meetings, laying the foundations for a growing network of collaboration and innovation.
As WISE progressed, many of the programme's most valuable learnings came through practical experience. For example, the consortium projects required more time than anticipated. One key lesson was the importance of starting project planning early. While WISE was launched with a clear strategy, having more concrete project ideas in place even before the programme's approval could have helped speed up consortium formation and project development.
Additionally, working with projects and partners has helped turn a high-level understanding of co-innovation and co-research into practical experience. Reflecting on this, Hedström states:
"I would say that I fully didn't understand it in the beginning, but now I'm wiser."
While projects and initiatives are often the most visible outcomes of an ecosystem, the WISE journey has also demonstrated the importance of the people behind them. Hedström highlights the strong commitment of those involved throughout the programme. The stability of the core team has helped maintain continuity and momentum as WISE has evolved. She also sees the wider Veturi community in Finland as a valuable space for sharing experiences, learning from others and growing together.
For Hedström, one of the most rewarding aspects of WISE has been the new perspectives gained through collaboration. As a naturally curious person, she values the opportunity to learn from experts across academia, startups, and industry. Among the memorable moments of the journey, she highlights both jointly achieved project milestones, such as iHAPC (Integrated Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle) consortium, and experiences shared by the community. She particularly recalls the WISE launch video filming day, which captured the enthusiasm and buzz surrounding the programme.
As WISE enters the second half of its journey, Hedström is particularly excited to see how today's ideas, research initiatives and collaborations evolve into concrete outcomes. After building the ecosystem and laying the foundations for collaboration, the focus is now increasingly on bringing projects to life and translating ideas into impact. Looking ahead, what excites her is the opportunity to help shape the technologies and solutions of tomorrow. As she says: "We are creating the future with these projects."
Reflecting on what she would say to someone considering joining a similar initiative, Hedström encourages people to embrace opportunities even when the path ahead is not fully clear:
"Say yes, even though you don't know everything. Because you will learn how to do it along the way."
The same mindset has helped shape WISE from the beginning and will most likely continue to guide the programme as ideas evolve into projects, partnerships, and future impacts.
As WISE reaches its midpoint, partners and stakeholders are invited to reflect on the journey so far and explore what comes next.
The WISE Midpoint Event will feature project updates, perspectives on the energy transition and opportunities to connect across industry, research and academia.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and shaping the next phase of WISE together.
📅 Date: On 22 September
📍Location: Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa, Finland
🔗 Read more and sign up here. Please note that only limited seats are available.
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