My main research interest is the strategic development of cultural and creative activities in urban and regional contexts. In addition to this I have conducted research on the regional economic impacts and meanings of cultural activities.  I have a background in regional studies and in my doctoral thesis I analysed the strategic role of local development officers as intentional actors in the complex local and regional cultural economy. I do not see cultural activities mainly through governance or organizational structures but through the lens of a city or a region where various actors produce, consume and enjoy cultural content.

Luonila, M. & Ruokolainen, O. (2023). “Happy, healthy and participatory citizens”: suburban cultural policy in the Finnish city of Jyväskylä. International Journal of Cultural Policy. Published online. doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2022.2160714

Häkli, J., Kallio K.P. & Ruokolainen, O. (2020). A missing citizen? Issue-based citizenship in city-regional planning. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research 44:5, 876–893.