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INTO project

Research

General

INTO is a three-year research project (September 2025–November 2028) that promotes information-based decision-making and innovative financing models for the implementation of large public projects – especially infrastructure projects. The main objective of the project is to increase understanding of the logic by which the productivity impacts of an infrastructure project are created and realized throughout the entire decision-making chain. The INTO project produces information on the decision-making system and information base of Finnish infrastructure projects, as well as on implementation models supporting budget financing in infrastructure projects. The INTO project supports Finnish decision-making from a high political level down to operational decision-making. The research project is divided into four sub-areas: decision-making in infrastructure projects, project programming, development of the project company model and project implementation models. The main objective of the first sub-study is to increase understanding of decision-making in infrastructure projects and the bases and challenges of decision-making, especially at the strategic level. The use of impact information is being studied so that data-based project selection can be implemented better than at present and with broader criteria. The third part examines the suitability of the project company model for the implementation of infrastructure projects. In addition, mechanisms are being sought to find other sources of financing in addition to budget financing. In the fourth phase, the selected implementation methods are examined, especially from the perspective of cost management.

Methods

The research project will conduct extensive literature reviews at different stages to improve understanding of different subject areas. Empirical data collection and analysis will be carried out mainly using qualitative methods: case studies, expert interviews, think tanks and observation. However, quantitative methods, such as statistical analyses, will also be utilized in the research. The INTO project will benchmark best Nordic practices in decision-making and the project company model.

Results

The research project will provide extensive research information on how Finland can better move towards strategic and information-based decision-making and innovative operating and financing models. The INTO project supports the competitiveness and growth of Finnish companies through infrastructure projects. It also contributes to assessing the central role of an efficient and effective infrastructure system as a factor in economic growth.

The impacts of the INTO project are:

  • Analysis of decision-making in infrastructure projects and the drivers of decision-making and their relationship to the national strategy creates a basis for developing decision-making processes.
  • Broader and better utilization of impact information enables the verification of the best and most productive projects and the allocation of resources to them.
  • Researched information on the functionality and usability of project company models facilitates the selection and use of the model. Financing models that support public budget financing enable the implementation of large infrastructure projects.
  • The right implementation models support the risk management and profitability of projects.

Publications

The research results will be reported appropriately for different purposes. The project has three phases, each of which will be followed by an interim report and a final report. In addition, the research will result in dissertation articles for international research journals. The application of the research results to practice will be ensured through seminars and think tanks organized for different stakeholders.

Implementation

The research results will be applied to practice by influencing high-level decision-makers. One target is the parliamentary elections in Finland in 2027. The information will be applied to the operational level, for example by organizing seminars and workshops. The application of the research results will be planned in close cooperation with the commissioning organizations.

Co-operation

The INTO project is implemented in close cooperation with The Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra), the Finnish Infrastructure Agency, Municipality Finance, the Finnish Construction Industry Association and the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere and Turku. During the project, various events will be organized for stakeholders and, more broadly, for all actors in the field. The events may include seminars, webinars, excursions or think tanks. During the research project, cooperation will also be carried out with other parties that solve the same problems. This ensures that no duplicate research is carried out with any party, but rather synergistic cooperation.