In brief

Dr. Markku Sotarauta is professor of regional development studies in Faculty of Management and Business at Tampere University, Finland. In 2011-2013, he served as the founding Dean of the School of Management and, in 2009-2010, 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 publications include ‘Handbook on City and Regional Leadership’, edited with professor Andrew Beer and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. Professor Sotarauta has worked with the Finnish Parliament, Swedish Innovation Agency (Vinnova) many Finnish ministries as well as cities and regions both in Finland and in other countries.

Sotarauta serves Tampere District Co-operative Bank (OP Tampere) as the Chairman of Board of Directors. He also is a member of the OP Financial Group's  Supervisory Council.