About

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) is the largest multidisciplinary research organisation in Northern Europe, providing high-end technology solutions and innovation services. Known as ‘business-orientated’ and a ‘leader’, Matias Markkanen played an important role in VTT’s transition from being a state-owned company into a limited liability entity, having a major role in the restructuring process. He has worked on several key mergers and acquisitions of international organisations for VTT, including a US Research Institute. Markkanen swiftly rose through the ranks at VTT after joining the company in 2007 as legal counsel. He currently sits as senior legal counsel – Manager of VTT Legal Affairs, but also holds the position of CEO of VTT International, managing all of VTT’s foreign legal units, challenging a notion in the industry that it is impossible to hold both general counsel and CEO positions in a company. With an array of legal expertise in different fields including intellectual property, corporate governance and licensing, Markkanen is recognised for his ability to assist on VTT’s innovative tech solutions from research to commercialization. One of his big achievements within the department has been improving efficiency through improved response time.