Christmas and New Year are approaching, and soon many of us will have the chance to catch our breath. When I look back at our 39th year, what I feel most of all is gratitude. Gratitude for all the knowledge developed within our team, for the collaborations with those of you who are close to CTF – and for the curiosity and willingness to contribute that so clearly permeate our work.
Throughout the year, we’ve had several experiences that truly demonstrated the strength of our research. The Customer Innovation Day, with over 160 participants, sparked great interest in how innovation can create value for people, businesses, and society. In Rome, we hosted our international conference for the 19th time, welcoming around 275 participants from all corners of the world – a clear sign that our perspectives are needed globally. Together with Cambridge University and major international companies, we have deepened discussions on the future of services and our team has grown with three new PhD students and we have celebrated three successful dissertations!
We are also especially pleased to have advanced research on how complex, society-shaping services actually come into being – the services that shape education, health, democracy and welfare. When the world around us sometimes feels fragile, it becomes clear how important research is for creating hope, showing paths forward, and reminding us that change is possible.
Soon we will enter a jubilee year – our 40th jubilee year! We will, of course, celebrate in style. I am truly looking forward to bringing together current colleagues, former team members and CTF-friends for an evening where we can honor both our history and our future. More information will follow, but I dare promise it will be an evening to remember.
With warmth, I want to say – a big thank you to all of you. For your knowledge, your support, your collaborations, and for being part of making CTF a place where research truly matters. Let’s continue building knowledge that strengthens people, organizations, and societies.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
