In brief

Dr. Markku Sotarauta is a professor of regional development studies in the Faculty of Management and Business at Tampere University, Finland. Between 2011 and 2013, he served as the founding Dean of the School of Management, and from 2009 to 2010, as the last Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administration.

Professor Sotarauta specialises in leadership, institutional entrepreneurship, institutions and innovation in city and regional development. He has published widely on these issues in international journals and edited books. His latest books include ‘Handbook on City and Regional Leadership’, edited with Professor Andrew Beer and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. Professor Sotarauta has collaborated with the Finnish Parliament, the OECD, the Swedish Innovation Agency (Vinnova), various Finnish ministries, as well as cities and regions in Finland and other countries.

Sotarauta serves on the Board of OP Pirkanmaa as its Chairman. He is also a member of the OP Financial Group’s Supervisory Council.