VAMK — your key partner in research, development, and innovation
The RDI activities at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences combine expertise in technology, business, social and health care, and design. Our location in the entrepreneurial region of Ostrobothnia, surrounded by global companies, gives us a strong position to tackle the challenges of a changing world. We work closely with businesses, communities, and public actors to ensure that the latest knowledge and innovations are quickly put into practice, turning ideas into impactful solutions both locally and internationally. Our RDI activities focus on strategic priority areas, closely linked to regional, national, and international innovation ecosystems.
Our areas of strength
- Energy transition, smart digitalisation, and the clean transition
- International business expertise and logistics
- Solutions for the transformation of well-being
- Design thinking and systems design
VAMK’s RDI activities are based on the real needs of companies and organizations as well as research-based knowledge. We combine expertise from different fields with practical insights from working life to create solutions that support growth, competitiveness, and sustainable renewal. Our work is goal-oriented co-development, where experimentation, openness, and practical application are at the core. This approach produces solutions that improve operations and support long-term development.
National and International Collaboration
VAMK engages in long-term collaboration both nationally and internationally with universities and research institutions. This collaboration creates networks and opportunities that foster innovation and contribute to solving societal challenges.
Solutions for Societal Needs
Our R&D projects aim to address the needs and challenges of society. The goal in applied research and development projects is to enhance and rejuvenate the local workforce, industries, and, more broadly, the entire society.
Teachers' Excellence and Expertise
R&D activities provide teachers with the opportunity to apply their own excellence in practice and enhance their expertise in a changing society. They share their expertise with collaborators as well.
Students' Opportunity to Apply Theory into Practice
R&D activities provide students with a unique opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical projects. Involvement in R&D projects better prepares students for the workforce and enhances their professional skills.
VAMK’s RDI activities are guided by a strategic vision and diverse expertise. This is ensured by VAMK’s RDI Advisory Board – a group of experienced professionals and experts from various fields, including technology, business, and science. The Advisory Board provides a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges of RDI, supports strategic decision-making, and strengthens collaboration, ensuring that VAMK’s research, development, and innovation work delivers impactful solutions both regionally and internationally.
Multidisciplinary research and development
Research areas, ecosystems, and projects form the core of VAMK’s RDI activities. Through them, we bring together expertise, networks, and innovations, developing solutions that meet the needs of working life and support sustainable development. Our activities also include international RDI, which strengthens collaboration with global partners and integrates international expertise into regional development. Explore these initiatives and discover how collaborating with us turns ideas into practice and leads to impactful results.
Finland thrives on the west coast
The aim of the cooperation between the universities of applied sciences on the west coast is to deepen collaboration centered around digital manufacturing technology and robotics, as well as clean energy solutions. This will strengthen the knowledge base of the west coast and support regional development. The cooperation program includes Turku University of Applied Sciences, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, and Centria University of Applied Sciences.
Explore the cooperation program of the west coast universities of applied sciences
RDI activities for companies and students
VAMK’s RDI activities bring together companies and students to develop new solutions, services, and products. For companies, we offer expertise, networks, and hands-on development projects that support growth and competitiveness. For students, RDI projects provide opportunities to apply their skills in practice, gain work-life experience, and build valuable connections. Together, we create innovations that strengthen regional vitality and contribute to a sustainable future.
Impact through publishing
Publishing is an essential part of VAMK’s RDI work. It allows the results of research and development to be shared openly and utilized widely. VAMK publishes project reports, research papers, and articles that support both regional and international development. We prioritize open publishing and multi-channel communication to ensure that knowledge is accessible to all and has a practical impact.
RDI project publication
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences publishes an annual RDI project publication, with contributions from experts both within VAMK and from outside. Each publication focuses on different themes related to VAMK’s strategic priority areas, such as sustainable development, digitalization, and innovation ecosystems. The goal is to showcase project results, best practices, and the impact of collaboration at both regional and international levels.
The RDI project publications contain articles in Finnish and English, but the publications themselves are not entirely in one language.
Enjoy the read!
Open and responsible RDI
VAMK’s RDI activities are based on openness, responsibility, and ethical principles. Openness means transparency in research results, data, and processes, as well as collaboration with society and working life. Responsibility is reflected in adherence to data protection, data policies, and good scientific practice. In this way, we ensure that our RDI work promotes sustainable development, reliable knowledge, and societal impact.
Responsibility is caring for eachother
VAMK is committed to strong ethical and responsible activities. Our goal is to build and ensure a community where everyone can trust that operations are ethically sustainable.
A research permit is required for all studies or theses that involve VAMK's staff or students. The application for a research permit should be submitted well in advance before the commencement of the research.
