Entreprenour Maria Rankka: “Philanthropy can contribute vital resources”

Since agreeing to chair the University’s external advisory group for philanthropic support almost two years ago, the perspective that Uppsala alumna and entrepreneur Maria Rankka now has on the breadth and excellence of our research has further strengthened her enthusiasm for this role.

“New knowledge is fundamental to so much. I believe strongly in the potential of research and education to support innovation and build communities, and as an Uppsala alumna, I feel honoured and glad to be able to contribute,” she says.

The group’s purpose is to function as external advisors and provide support for the University’s efforts to broaden its network for philanthropy. From this autumn, the group will also be the campaign committee for the University’s “Boundless knowledge – since 1477” campaign, with the aim of securing SEK 1 billion in funds for research from the private sector by the University’s 550th anniversary in 2027. Along with this monetary goal, the anniversary campaign aims to strengthen the University’s philanthropy network, and increase knowledge about Uppsala University externally and about how people can contribute to the University. Ultimately, the goal is that the funds will lead to more ground-breaking discoveries.

“With our outsiders’ perspective, we can help the University to see what might spark interest from external individuals, companies and foundations,” Rankka says.

Companies want to do more

Acting as a bridge between business, society, academia and culture is something that Rankka is more than happy to do. It’s the kind of thing she very much enjoys, and she also feels that it’s important. With solid experience from various positions in the business sector, she also knows many companies now want to do more to influence social development in a positive direction – there is a lot of talk about ‘impact’.

“While there are resources and interest – we are seeing an increase in philanthropic activity in general – it is also vital to help more people to see that contributing to research is a very important thing,” she says.

Rankka was surprised when she realised how dependent universities are on financing from public funds. Although there are a number of private foundations that have contributed significant funding for many years, of which the Wallenberg foundations are the largest and perhaps best known, there is absolutely potential for more philanthropic financing, including from younger entrepreneurs, she says.

“But this requires long-term, ongoing relationship building. Many people create their own foundations instead of contributing to existing organisations.”

Broader funding base expands freedom

For her, it is self-evident that there must be multiple sources of funding in an open, pluralistic society. And the warnings coming from the scientific community about tendencies towards greater steering when public funds are involved need to be taken seriously.

“It’s not a good thing when too much of the financing comes from one source. Research and innovation is all about daring to try things that others don’t believe in. It’s not uncommon for great discoveries to be made in this way. Philanthropic funds have the potential to offer more researchers the independence required to try out bold new ideas,” she says.

Rankka thinks that Uppsala University has a great deal to offer: research and education that excels in many areas, but also a highly professional organisation for taking care of gifts as well as centuries-old practice in administering donations.

“Uppsala University has philanthropy in its DNA, one might say. Historically, the University rests more or less on a very large donation from Gustav II Adolf in the 17th century, and the University already administers a large number of foundations formed from donated funds.”

There are two main reasons why people want to make a donation: there are those who, for various reasons, feel strongly about Uppsala University and are very open to different ways in which they can contribute; and there are those who want to make a difference in a specific subject area that lies particularly close to their hearts. Even in the latter case, there are great opportunities to connect donors with recipients at a university like Uppsala, given its breadth.

There are now only three years left until the University’s big 550th anniversary in 2027 and the planning for these celebrations is in full swing. Rankka is looking forward to the autumn and her work with the campaign committee. And although she greatly appreciated her years as an economics student at Uppsala, she is even more convinced today of the quality of her alma mater.

“Of course, I didn’t have the perspective then that I have now. The University’s unique combination of strong traditions and exceptionally forward-looking research is really so cool, and in combination with the University’s strong role in the city of Uppsala, it’s as close to a Swedish ‘Oxford’ as you can get,” she says with a laugh.

FACT BOX

Entrepreneur, investor in health tech, and active on a number of boards. Executive Chair of Cellcolabs. Formerly CEO of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and of Timbro, among other posts. Degree in Political Science from Uppsala University.

Other members of the group: Link