A new, industry-funded five-year professorship promoting the digitization of the infrastructure sector has been established at the University of Tampere. Doctor of Technology Kalle Vaismaa, who has extensive experience in both the research and business worlds, started in the position at the beginning of February.
Digitization is already well underway in the infrastructure sector, for example in information modeling of planning and in the control of construction sites. However, digitization also brings with it many broad questions, such as significant changes in operating methods and the creation of new operating models. The ecosystem around infrastructure, such as highways and various urban technical networks, is changing and the importance of utilizing data is being emphasized. Processes change rapidly. New collaboration models and ecosystems are emerging.
In order to support the competitiveness of companies in the field during these major changes, designers, contractors and software companies operating in the infrastructure sector are funding a five-year professorship at the University of Tampere in extensive cooperation. The goal is to raise the digitization of the industry to an international top level. It is also hoped that the professorship will create new business opportunities both domestically and internationally.
"Infrastructure construction is a very traditional industry, but the power of digitalization will sweep through this area as well. The roles of different players will change and new players will enter the industry. We need to be at the forefront of development now, improve the industry's efficiency and future prospects, and ensure the ability to generate added value for society", says Vice President paving, strategy Vesa Pirinen from YIT Oyj.
Tampere has strong research expertise
The University of Tampere already has strong expertise not only in infrastructure construction, but also in development related to information management and digital applications.
"I am joining the research group for ground, subgrade and track structures. Our focus is on improving the life cycle efficiency of infrastructure. The group develops new design, repair and material technical solutions", professor Kalle Vaismaa says.
"In the five-year period, there is a big change in the digitalization of the infrastructure sector, which requires the development of people, tools and processes," continues Vaismaa.
Vaismaa has experience in the development of service business based on new technology, for example at Tampere University's Transport Research Center Verne and WSP Finland Oy, where the possibilities of digitization have been central to the projects he has led.
"It is important to get the relevant parties involved in the work. Cooperation with different stakeholders, both in Finland and internationally, plays a very big role," Vaismaa says.
The financiers participate in directing the activities and setting goals. The purpose is to form a significant project complex and research group around the professorship. Project funding is also comprehensively sought from client organizations and public funding sources. Pilot projects are an essential part of development and implementation of development results.
The professorship is financed by A-Insinöörit Civil Oy, CivilPoint Oy, Destia Oy, FCG Finnish Consulting Group Oy, GRK Infra Oy, NRC Group Finland Oy, Pöyry Finland Oy, Ramboll Finland Oy, Roadscanners Oy, Sitowise Oy, Sweco Finland Oy, Trimble Solutions Oy , Wihuri Oy SITECH Finland, YIT Oyj.
For more information:
- Professor Kalle Vaismaa, University of Tampere, tel. 0400 567 283, kalle.vaismaa@tuni.fi
- Professor Pauli Kolisoja, University of Tampere, tel. 040 5851025, pauli.kolisoja@tuni.fi
- Director, PhD Heikki Jämsä, Rakennusteollisuus RT ry, Infra ry, tel. 050 5872 911, heikki.jamsa@infra.fi