Evaluation of Finnish Innovation Fund's Sustainable Economy training

VTT's evaluation of "Sustainable economy" Leadership training undertaken by Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra) was based on recent research understanding of the drivers and mechanisms of sustainable economic policy. Our goal was to examine the impact of training from the perspectives of individuals, communities and society. The evaluation questions were: 1) What is the unique value of the "Sustainable Economy Leadership Training" for individuals, communities and society at large? 2) How has the course promoted the practices of sustainable economic policy and the identification of development needs in Finnish society? 3) After the course, how have the participants promoted sustainable economy and economic policy practices, identified development needs and addressed them?
To support the implementation of the evaluation, a systematic and multi-criteria evaluation framework was developed that took into account the value and significance of education from the perspectives of different angles, i.e. individuals, communities and society. The evaluation was carried out as a multi-method developmental assessment.

Our evaluation task involved assessing the impact of the "Sustainable Economy Leadership Training" provided by the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra). We aimed to understand how this training has benefited individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Specifically, we were looking at the unique value of the training, how it has promoted sustainable economic practices, and how participants have applied what they learned to identify and address development needs in Finnish society.

The evaluation commissioned by Sitra and carried out by VTT in 2024 examined the impacts of Sitra's management training in sustainable economic policy. The materials used were document analysis, a questionnaire developed for assessing self-efficacy, and individual and group interviews. The evaluation developed an evaluation framework that Sitra can also use to evaluate its other social education.
Based on the evaluation, Sitra's management training in sustainable economic policy has supported the participants' ability to promote a sustainable economy. It has created an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of sustainable economic policy and helped participants apply the lessons learned in their own communities and in society at large. The added value of education is crystallised especially in the change in the mindset of individuals, which enables behavioural change and promotes social transformation and a sustainable economy.
Sitra's sustainable economic policy leadership training has supported the participants' ability to promote a sustainable economy and created an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of sustainable economic policy. In particular, the training has changed the mindset of the participants, enabling behavioural change and promoting social transformation. The training strengthens the participants' knowledge base, deepens their understanding of sustainable economy and develops the participants' ability to act and influence. The formulation of the value proposition of education and clearer communication could improve the response to the expectations of the participants. The evaluation presents Sitra with three alternative future development paths related to regionalism, sources of new innovations and ecological sustainability.