The University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute provides evidence-based knowledge and competence on micro-enterprises and their operating conditions. As a research institute focusing on micro-entrepreneurship, future production technologies and regional excellence, we produce information with an international influence. We are responsible for micro-entrepreneurship research and education at the national level. Kerttu Saalasti Institute’s strength is the societal impact of research. We have three research groups: Micro-entrepreneurship centre MicroENTRE, Regional Excellence (REx) and Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT). Micro-Entrepreneurship Centre MicroENTRE®: The University of Oulu Micro-Entrepreneurship Centre MicroENTRE® is a unique research group and service centre that produces research-based knowledge on micro-entrepreneurship, helps to create operating conditions for sustainable growth in business, and builds a society that encourages entrepreneurship. A micro-enterprise is defined as a company with fewer than 10 employees and a turnover of less than 2 million. Regional Excellence (REx): The research team contributes to evidence-based knowledge of regional growth factors, processes and structures. The research advances vitality and resilience of regions, availability of know-how and skilled labour and social, economic, and ecological sustainability. Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT): FMT is a multi-disciplinary research group that works as a part of the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute. The group’s operation focuses on transferring the best properties of metallic materials, especially steels, as superior factors in final products, using cost-effective production methods.