Liiketalous

Liiketalous is a Finnish term for the study and practice of the economic activities of businesses and the private sector. It focuses on how firms create value, organize production and services, and manage resources to earn profits within competitive markets. The field combines elements of economics with company-oriented management and accounting.

Core subjects within liiketalous include accounting, finance, marketing, management, operations and supply chain management, entrepreneurship, and corporate governance. The approach emphasizes applied analysis of business decisions, performance measurement, budgeting, and strategic planning, rather than abstract macroeconomic theory alone.

In higher education in Finland, liiketalouden studies are offered at universities of applied sciences and, in some cases, universities. Programs may be titled liiketalous, business administration, or commerce and prepare graduates for roles in accounting, financial analysis, sales and marketing, management, entrepreneurship, SME advisory, or administration in public and private sectors.

While the term is sometimes used interchangeably with yritystalous (corporate economy) or kaupallinen talous, liiketalous typically denotes an applied, managerially oriented branch of business studies rather than pure theoretical economics.

Liiketalous reflects Finland’s emphasis on integrated business education within the Nordic tradition of applied sciences and business administration.