Markku Wilenius

Dr. Markku Wilenius is a Professor of Futures Studies at Turku School of Economics, University of Turku. Wilenius has contributed to the field of futures studies for more than 25 years, leading over 50 research projects on topics including emerging technologies, climate change, and cultural competencies. After earning a PhD focused on climate change, he served as Director of the Finland Futures Research Centre, collaborating with governments and businesses on strategic foresight and sustainability initiatives. Early in his career, Wilenius published the book "Towards Creative Economy," which examines the relationship between culture and economic competitiveness.

Wilenius has held the UNESCO Chair in Learning Society and Futures of Education, later renewed as Chair of Transformational Learning and Planetary Futures. The University of Turku received this professorship to advance futures research tools aimed at addressing poverty and enhancing well-being in developing countries. Wilenius and his colleagues established an international master's program in futures studies at Turku School of Economics and developed a foresight program for Dubai Future Foundation. He also served as Dean of Dubai Future Academy, a division of Dubai Future Foundation.

Wilenius worked with Allianz, a global insurer, where he led strategic research and development, focusing on visionary leadership and long-term organizational transformation. He co-founded the Turku Complex Systems Institute at University of Turku, which addresses complex societal challenges such as urbanization through systems thinking and data analysis.

His book "Patterns of the Future: Understanding the Next 40 Years of Global Change" explores long-term socio-economic trends. Wilenius has authored 10 scientific books, contributed to over 100 scientific publications, and participated in more than 400 interviews for journals, magazines, and newspapers, addressing global challenges and opportunities in futures research. His work spans Europe, the United States, Australia, the Middle East, and other regions.

Wilenius was the founding chair of the Finnish Chapter of the Club of Rome and organized the Club of Rome annual conference in Helsinki. He is a member of the strategic foresight group at the Prime Minister's office in Finland, the Finnish Innovation Fund, the Finnish Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change working group, and the scientific committee of the World Resources Forum. Wilenius has received the title of Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland and the international Aurelio Peccei prize from L'eta Verde. He is recognized among the top global futurists by social media following.