Different projects of research and development in the University are in close connection with both Ostrobothnian and multi-national companies. Companies, such as ABB and Wärtsilä, are major partners in many research projects. The University also cooperates with different local institutes of higher education as well as with technology development centres.
The University has a shared Innovation Representative with the regional development organisations. In 2005, Technology Centre Merinova, Inc., Innofin (Foundation for Finnish Innovations), University of Vaasa, Vaasa Polytechnic, Swedish Polytechnic in Vaasa, Regional Council of Ostrobothnia, and Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK made an agreement to develop Innovation Representative activity in Vaasa. The University is committed to the activities as part of the Vaasa Science Park. The Science Park reaches for synergy advantages, transference of know-how and development of new enterprises. The Universitys fields of expertise create an innovation system inside the University.
