MTT highlights
2001
New research strategy links MTT's different areas of expertise.
More scientific publications were published.
The number of doctorates increased.
New strategy combines biological, technological and economic research
One of the major achievements at MTT in 2001 was the drafting of a new research strategy and more efficient targeting of research work to take better account of customer needs. The aim is to improve MTT's position and contribution within the sector.
The new research strategy is focused and coherent and is consistent with MTT's operational goals. The strategy closely combines biological, technological and economic research with the aim of producing integrated, comprehensive solutions for customers. In accordance with the new strategy, research is now carried out within larger, clearly coordinated project entities and programmes. This approach is expected to improve MTT's performance in 2002 and beyond.
Number of scientific publications exceeded target
MTT's research results were presented in a total of 338 scientific articles and publications, of which 126 were refereed. The total was 33 more than in the previous year and exceeded the target by 28. There was a slight increase in the number of refereed articles and publications on the previous year, largely because economic research is now included, but the number was nevertheless well below the target of 180. The aim is to continue to increase the number of refereed articles and publications.
The total number of MTT articles and publications was well above 1400, exceeding the target by nearly 400 and the previous year's total by 150. The increase is mainly due to the inclusion of economic research in the figures for the first time. In terms of numbers, the result improved most in professional journal articles, with more than 550 articles published. Professional journal articles accounted for nearly 40 per cent of all the published material. MTT's task of producing information for the purposes of practical application was thus well met.
Eleven new doctorates
Eleven new doctorates were completed at MTT, which was considerably above the previous year's figures. The target of 18 doctorates was not met, however, as some of the doctorates were delayed until 2002. In accordance with our research strategy, we will be endeavouring to improve the time management of researchers, enabling better adherence to schedules and targets. MTT succeeded in increasing the proportion of its personnel who have a postgraduate education. Maintaining the annual number of degrees at the present level and successful recruiting will ensure MTT's competitive edge in terms of competence.
Researchers as inventors
The completion of the Agropolis science park last year prompted MTT's researchers to draft ten invention reports, which is considerably more than in the previous year. Inventions to be actively protected and commercialized can now be more easily selected, thanks to our innovation assessment system. The protection procedure for several of the invention reports is already under way. An affirmative Official Action as regards patentability was issued on four of the patent applications. Noteworthy among these is the method for isolating lignan from flax, which can be of benefit in developing functional foods. A further two applications are pending in 2002.
Other targets for 2001 were 12 new products, 57 methods or services, 40 norms or recommendations, and eight research results supporting agricultural policy-making. The target for the year was exceeded by one fourth and the target for 2000 by nearly 30. Furthermore, 17 new assay methods were developed to support research. Nearly twice as many methods and services were developed than in 2000, whereas a slightly smaller number of norms and regulations were issued than in 2000, which was in line with the strategy.
MTT's top five research achievements for 2001 are also presented in this annual report. Four of these were in the areas of economic research, livestock research, plant protection and environmental research, and the fifth was the result of cooperation between livestock research and economic research.
For further information please contact Pentti Aspila and Ilkka P. Laurila
