The ways in which CEOs learn, apply what they have learned, and make decisions are significant to the innovating capabilities of SMEs, states Jutta Mäkipelkola in her doctoral dissertation at the University of Vaasa, Finland. Her research reveals how the skills of CEOs shape the capabilities of SMEs – and what kind of organisational culture drives innovation. The study identified three managerial mechanisms – learning, reflection, and alignment – which strongly explain the development of capabilities in SMEs. These refer, among other things, to managers’ ability to learn, their openness to learning, and their ability not only to align what has been learned with the company’s mission and resources, but also to make decisions. Mäkipelkola's research data consisted of interviews with experts and CEOs from Finnish SMEs in the food industry.

Sustainability in space and the fight against the accumulation of waste produced in Earth orbit are the objectives pursued by PERSEI Space, a company whose partners include two researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and which has developed a space electrodynamic tether technology that is useful in this area.

Scientists have developed an AI-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time while maintaining accuracy. Their approach could aid offshore power generation, ship design and ocean monitoring.

The International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) National Laboratory is taking a giant leap in fostering new space innovators with the launch of the Orbital Edge Accelerator program. This bold initiative is designed to integrate cutting-edge startups and investment partners into the rapidly expanding space economy. Through the accelerator, six pioneering startups will be selected to receive an investment of up to $500,000 each—which is being provided by global investors Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), E2MC, and Stellar Ventures—along with mentorship and the opportunity to launch an ISS National Lab-sponsored investigation. By bridging the gap between early-stage companies and space-based innovation, the Orbital Edge Accelerator program aims to unlock discoveries that can benefit humanity and drive new commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit.

Although wellbeing at work is a frequently discussed topic, the impact of insufficient sleep on employees’ performance is often overlooked. According to Jenni Tuomilehto, sleep deprivation affects all workplaces. In her doctoral dissertation at the University of Vaasa, Finland, Tuomilehto examines the effects of insufficient sleep on work performance in workplaces in Finland and presents practical methods for identifying and managing the impacts of sleep deprivation in the workplace. Tuomilehto presents a theoretical model that helps identify fatigue caused by insufficient sleep. The model also provides supervisors, HR professionals, and others practical tools for maintaining work performance by preventing chronic fatigue and exhaustion.