Jaana Tapanainen-Thiess

Biography

Mrs Tapanainen-Thiess is an expert in strategic foresight and has extensive experience in conceptualizing and realizing high stakes strategic foresight projects for both private and public sector. She has managed and led strategy and scenario projects for blue-chip companies (DAX, MDAX, EURO STOXX 50) e.g. in the environmental policy, banking, chemical, energy, metals and mining sector. 

At the Prime Minister’s office of Finland she has conducted a comprehensive foresight work for all 12 Ministries, the Permanent State Secretaries and the Executive Management Teams of each Ministry. Mrs Tapanainen-Thiess is a member of the Government Foresight Group chaired by the State Secretary. Mrs. Tapanainen-Thiess has also worked as an Advisor at the Prime Minister’s Office in United Arab Emirates. 

Some examples of Futures work: Future of European Union, Future of Inner Security, Future of Government, Future of Rule of Law, Future of Knowledge, Inclusion and Creativity, Future of Food & Natural Resources, Future of Sustainable Environment, Future of Social Sustainability, Future of Transport and Communications, Future of Digitization, Future of Defence Co-Operation. 

As a management consultant Mrs Tapanainen has improved the growth and competitiveness of Finnish businesses and the innovation environment, and she has helped businesses in different phases of internationalization. As Head of Industry she covered over 40 countries. 

Mrs Tapanainen has an MBA from the triple accredited Executive MBA Programme at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (USA), WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (Germany) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She also has a BBA and HEAO-CE double-degree from Finland and the Netherlands. Native of Finland, she has lived and studied over 25 years in Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Belgium, Spain, USA, Hong Kong and UAE.”

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