16.05.2012 Signs of changes in meat consumption in Finland

An article published in Meat Science suggests that approximately half of Finnish consumers are changing or considering changing their meat consumption patterns. The study analysed both stated past changes and intended future changes in meat use among Finnish consumers. Consumer segments with different patterns of and reasons for change were identified. The first block, comprising 48% of the consumers, had established consumption patterns and no intentions to change them. In the second block, with 13% of the consumers, consumption patterns had already shifted towards more vegetables and less meat. The third block, with 39% of the consumers, was in the middle of a change with a general tendency to reduce the use of meat and increase the use of vegetables. Although the environmental effects of meat and animal welfare issues were important reasons for change in some clusters, healthiness was the most salient stated reason for changing consumption habits.

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05.03.2012 Added value of the smart grid from the customer’s perspective

This project investigated whether a certain proportion of electricity consumers could be activated to generate added value for themselves or for a third party, by acting together or in co-operation with the electricity companies. The objective of the project was to identify the needs of the customers and external parties, and to encourage electricity companies and potential partners to innovate and develop new services. As service developers and suppliers play a key role in shaping customers’ needs, people representing these groups were interviewed. Furthermore, a review was conducted of international as well as recent Finnish pilot projects.

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13.02.2012 Eating out as an aspect of changes in eating habits 1990–2010

Finland has a strong tradition of eating outside the home, based on meals offered at work, in school and in day care. Eating out as a leisure activity is a much more recent phenomenon, advanced by economic growth, urbanisation and the diversification of services. On the one hand, it is in line with the trend in reducing the effort involved in preparing food at home; on the other, it has a significant social dimension.

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09.12.2011 New book published!

On one day in 2009, in 38 countries around the world, 4,000 ordinary citizens gathered to discuss the future of climate policy. This project, ‘WWViews’, was the first-ever global democratic deliberation - an attempt to enable ordinary people to reach informed decisions on and impact the global policy process. This book - which analyses the experiences and lessons from this ground-breaking event - marks the beginning of a new kind of democratic politics, providing practical lessons on how to increase the impact of global deliberation projects within the media and on official policy processes.

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31.10.2011 Young people’s financial capability – definitions, actors, materials

In our latest report we present the development of financial markets, the increasingly media and technology-centred lifestyle of young people, and the emphasis on one’s own responsibility in financial decision-making are challenges for young people who are going through the transition to adulthood and independence. Young people are often unable to make reasonable financial decisions, and this derives from attitudes, ignorance and inexperience, among other things.

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