The name Pathfinder Solutions implies that, in every case and in all situations, there is a path to success, but you might need help to find it.

After retiring from my position as Director of Research in the Finnish Defence Forces, following 35 years of service to my country, I gained the freedom to focus on what I truly enjoy: research, development, visioning, and innovation related to warfare, military technology, and defence materiel. This includes advancing and teaching the associated methods and expertise, as well as writing about these topics.

The name of my company stems from my observation that the path to success always exists — but it must be found and followed. Sometimes, it’s wise to seek a guide. And it’s best to choose a guide who has walked the path themselves and knows all the routes, not just one. A guide who, when needed, can invent a new approach or carve out a new route to the goal.

Jyri Kosola

  • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (Helsinki University of Technology)
  • PhD (h.c.) (Aalto University)
  • Master of Science in  Military Electronics Systems Engineering (Royal  Military College of Science, Cranfield University, UK)
  • General Staff Officer (National Defence University). SERA course at École Militaire.

Experience

  • Leadership and Management
  • 30 years in supervisory positions within expert organisations.
  • 11 years as Director of Research, Finnish Defence Forces.
  • 1.5 years as Director, Defence Forces Technical Research Institute.
  • 4 years as Head of Defence Materiel Procurement Unit.
  • 2 years as Head of Maintenance Unit.
  • 4 years as Project Manager for defence projects.
  • Research and Development
  • Areas of responsibility: future warfare, military history, land/sea/air warfare, electronic warfare, sensors, weapons and command systems, cyber/hybrid/information warfare, military and dual‑use technologies, human factors, organisations, geopolitics, training, environmental conditions, defence economics and logistics.
  • 8 years in leadership and development roles in electronic warfare.
  • 4 years responsible for land forces’ electronic systems.
  • International Cooperation
  • 10 years on the Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA).
  • 8 years in NATO’s Science and Technology Committee.
  • 8 years in the steering group for Arctic defence research cooperation.
  • 15 years in the steering group for Nordic research cooperation.
  • 12 years responsible for Finland–United States D cooperation. 1 year in bilateral cooperation with Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Germany and others.
  • Defence Policy and Advisory Roles
  • 10 years on the Defence Scientific Advisory Board.
  • 5 years on the Ministry of Defence steering group for defence materiel policy.
  • 10 years in coordination groups for strategy and defence economics leaders.4 years in the Defence Command electronics pool (HVK).

Networks

References

  • FDF project management principles & guides
  • FDF requirements management system, principles & guides
  • Capability Development  Programme management system
  • FDF Capability taxonomy and system model
  • FDF Life-Cycle Model
  • Dozens of books
  • FDF Electronic Warfare capabilities
  • FDF Technology strategy
  • FDF Research and Development Strategy
  • FDF Technology programs
  • FDF Research and Development programs
  • Strategic foresight