Jarmo Eskelinen

Executive Director, Data Driven Innovation Initiative

Biography

Background

Jarmo Eskelinen leads the University's Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) initiative. He is a smart city and open data expert with a background in architecture, digital media, and urban events. The 15-year, £660m DDI initiative spans ten industry domains, delivering data-driven talent, research, external partnerships, data assets, and start-ups. 

DDI is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. UK Government funding through the deal has enabled the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University to build or update six data-driven innovation Hubs: Bayes Centre (digitech, space & satellites, robotics), National Robotarium (in the HWU campus, robotics and autonomous systems), Easter Bush Hub (agritech), Health & Care innovation hub (health, wellbeing), Edinburgh Futures Institute (govtech and public services, financial services, creative industries, tourism & festivals) and Edinburgh International Data Facility (data centre asset in EPCC).

Previously Jarmo was the Chief Innovation and Technology Officer of the Connected Place (Future Cities) Catapult 2016 - 2018; founder and CEO of Forum Virium Helsinki, the urban innovation lab of the City of Helsinki, 2006–16; Executive Director of the Media Centre Lume of the Aalto University 2001-06; the Head of Programme in the Helsinki 2000 European City of Culture 1997-2001; and founder and CEO of PopZoo Promotions 1993-1997. During the 80s and early 90s, Jarmo worked in several architectural offices.

Jarmo is a board member of the Scottish Ensemble. He has also served on the Smart London Board and Open Knowledge International Board. He founded two international innovation networks: the Open & Agile Smart Cities network OASC (vice Chair 2015-2018) and the European Network of Living Labs ENoLL (President and Chair 2012-2015). He loves cycling in cities.  As an ex-DJ, he still buys more vinyl records than he can listen to.

Qualifications

eMBA, Aalto University, Helsinki, 2010

BSc, Architecture, Helsinki University of Technology, 1993

Responsibilities & affiliations

Scottish Ensemble, board member

RSA Fellow

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