Future Research, Foresight Tools, and a Multidisciplinary Network – A Combination That Elevated Public Affairs to the Next Level
Participant Experience: Jari Nykänen – Bringing Strategic Foresight to the Heart of Public Affairs
Jari Nykänen, Public Affairs Manager at Paikallisvoima ry, operates at the intersection of the energy sector, where political decision-making, market dynamics, and future uncertainties go hand in hand. Throughout his career, Jari has believed that continuous learning is not an additional option but a necessity. His long experience in both national and EU-level advocacy has reinforced this view, guiding him to seek new ways to deepen his expertise and enhance his foresight capabilities.
When his role required foresight several years into the future, Nykänen wanted to deepen his expertise and find new methods for envisioning the future. At that specific stage, one option clearly stood out from the rest: the strong futures research conducted in Turku and the clear presence of future expertise in the content of the TSE EXE JOKO program.
“The deep expertise in future research made the program compelling. It gave me confidence that I would gain more than just a superficial overview.”
Visionary Leadership Sparked an Interest – and Exceeded the Expectations
Nykänen says that applying to the program began simply out of curiosity:
“I am extremely interested in future research. I wanted to understand how it can be practically applied in strategy work – how megatrends, weak signals, and scenario work relate to what happens in politics and markets.”
The Visionary Leadership module in JOKO immediately became a decisive factor. Even though Nykänen started from another module, the program delivered on its promise:
“Expectations were high – and they were met. I received concrete tools that I could apply immediately.”
Integrating future-oriented thinking into leadership content turned out to be exactly the combination he was looking for.
Foresight Became Part of Everyday Work
During JOKO, Nykänen developed a foresight workshop concept, which has since been implemented with leaders in the energy sector. The method proved so effective that it directly produced new public affairs materials.
“When we held the first workshop, many participants were silent at the results. It was so concrete and clear that it allowed us to move things forward immediately.”
Today, foresight is an integral part of Paikallisvoima’s daily operations – used broadly from processing messages from member companies to supporting legislative processes.
Small Organization, Big Impact
Although Paikallisvoima is a small team, Nykänen believes that the significance of the learnings is even greater because of this:
“A small organization can develop quickly when the expertise is right. The tools from JOKO were immediately useful – they have changed communication, strategy work, and even how we coach our member companies.”
He has also shared his learnings with a broader energy sector network. A significant number of energy leaders have participated in the events he has organized, and the materials produced continue to support strategic decision-making.
A Multidisciplinary Network Opened a View Beyond His Own Field
Nykänen has always valued opportunities to step outside his own bubble. Throughout his career, he has repeatedly sought to understand other “bubbles” through steering groups and other roles. The JOKO program was an excellent place to continue this approach.
“It was refreshing to hear how people in other sectors think and the challenges they are tackling. The multidisciplinary environment broadened my perspective and helped me see energy sector issues from different angles.”
Even though he is accustomed to working in a large network, the program’s group discussions and the diverse backgrounds of participants added a new depth to his learning.
Concrete Results – Already During the Program
Assignments from JOKO modules became a direct part of Paikallisvoima’s and the wider energy sector’s work. Nykänen’s work on emissions calculations and foresight has influenced energy sector statistics and serves as a foundation for further development in the industry.
“The tools I received were directly applicable. That was JOKO’s strength: not abstract discussions, but real methods that fit my work.”
The Journey Continues – with EMBA in Mind
Nykänen says he is interested in continuing his studies:
“The contents in the Visionary Leadership module really resonated. EMBA modules such as Innovative Business Creation and Leading Towards the Future are appealing because of their depth.”
Time constraints from his busy public affairs work set limits, but the goal is clear:
“I want to continue when the timing is right. Learning is an in-built mindset for me – it is an essential part of who I am.”
