In Search of the Future Welfare Society

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences’ anniversary year kicked off with a public lecture series held in March, organised in collaboration with the adult education centre Alma. The four-part series explored the roles of humans, technology, and the economy in building a welfare society.

The lecture series began with an engaging dive into the history of education in Vaasa, from the 19th century to the emergence of universities of applied sciences in the 1990s. Principal Lecturer of Industrial EconomicsLotta Saarikoski and em. Principal Lecturer Regina Nurmi provided an interesting overview of the milestones in Vaasa University of Applied Sciences’ development.

Technology as Support for Work

During the second public lecture, Senior Lecturer and Wapice Project Manager Anna-Kaisa Saari and Principal Lecturer Juho Pölönen introduced the audience to the world of technology and its role in shaping a future where work is smoother, safer, and more humane.

The lecture also included an intriguing case study of Wapice’s IoT-Ticket smart city solution, which helps cities create more sustainable, safer, and citizen-centred services.

The Role of Wellbeing in Technological Development

Hanna-Kaisa Pernaa, Director of the School of Health Care and Social Services, and Principal Lecturer Piia Uusi-Kakkuri offered the audience a slightly different perspective on future thinking, through the lens of welfare services. Attendees gained insights into the role of wellbeing and human-centeredness in technological development.

The lecture also featured practical examples of how artificial intelligence can support wellbeing, as well as results from the AI-Tuki! research project funded by the Workers’ Compensation Fund, which examined the use of AI, attitudes toward it, and readiness in social services.

Creating Value for Wellbeing Through Innovation

In the final part of the lecture series, Senior Lecturer Teemu Myllylä delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the creation of innovations within ecosystems. The engaging lecture highlighted how innovations can generate value not only for business but also for wellbeing and sustainable growth.

Attendees participated in discussions on the importance of collaboration for innovation and on the functioning and development of ecosystems.