Bold and New Knowledge Creation for Finnish Export and Growth
In June 2025, the University of Vaasa and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences formed a joint higher education consortium that dares to be different. We are a bold pioneer combining academic depth with practical know-how. We operate as a winning ecosystem player at the heart of sustainable growth and the wellbeing economy.
We approach learning, research, and the future with an open mind and an uncompromising passion for action. Our areas of specialization include the energy transition, wellbeing economy, digitalization, and international business expertise. We educate the future makers for Finland’s needs.
Our Vision
Bold and New Knowledge Creation for Finnish Export and Growth. We are the main partner for society, students, and working life. We deliver the talent needed for growth and accelerate the realization of Finland’s 6% target in R&D.
Our Joint Strategy
Together, we build a knowledge-driven ecosystem where education, research, and innovation integrate seamlessly with societal, regional, and global needs. Our expertise focuses on the energy transition, wellbeing economy, digitalization, and international business. We educate the future makers who will shape Finland – and beyond.
The consortium acts as an active ecosystem player in the fields of sustainable growth and the wellbeing economy. Education, research, and operating models are boldly renewed by experimenting with new ways to develop expertise. Collaboration is open and genuine, supporting both the institutions and their stakeholders. Knowledge is put into practice, and solutions are created in close cooperation with companies. Thus the impact is tangible at regional, national, and international levels.
Our Profile
Our higher education consortium is the most important for society, students, and working life.
We create new knowledge for sustainable future.
Bold Innovator
We challenge the old and boldly embrace the new.
Collective Strength
We work together genuinely, openly, and with mutual support.
Impactful Player
We act – in close collaboration with businesses.
Human Intelligence
We combine intellect, emotion, and responsibility.
Global yet Rooted
Finland is in our heart, the world is our scale.
Our Strategic Capabilities
An ecosystem player focused on the clean transition and deeply integrated into its environment, driving RDI investments, economic growth, and the wellbeing economy
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pathways for Researchers and Students
- From Finland’s Sustainable Export Growth to Global Impact
- Shared RDI Environments and Co-Creation with Businesses
- Channeling Expertise through Efficient Service Design
- A Deep, Genuine Competence and Business Ecosystem
An internationally recognized research leader and a competitive, attractive research environment
- Multidisciplinary research areas and open research platforms
- Smart specialization for a clean transition
- Attractive, internationally highly ranked research groups
- Doctoral tracks and the CoDoc collaboration model
Meaningful and outstanding student experience, smooth study paths, and excellent graduate employability
- One campus, many flexible pathways all the way to a doctoral degree
- Finland’s best learning environments
- Versatile studies combined with advanced pedagogical and digital solutions
- A community of opportunities and targeted student services
- Finland’s best student city
- Responsible student recruitment & integration into working life
- A lifelong partner in competence development
A thriving and purposefully managed higher education community supported by an agile and efficient service ecosystem
- Impact-oriented and efficient management system
- Bold and renewing community
- Career paths for both teaching and research staff as well as expert staff
- Lean administration and cost-effective group services
Decades of Collaboration
Our new joint strategy will guide the consortium’s operations for the coming years, but its roots run deep, as collaboration between the institutions has been active for decades.
A significant new dimension is added through the joint PreDoc / CoDoc path. This path offers researchers a new route that combines the academic depth of the university with the practical approach of the university of applied sciences. It enables closer research collaboration, the development of innovations, and the transfer of knowledge to companies and society.
