Consortium

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 unique higher education consortium that dares to stand out. We are a fearless pioneer blending academic excellence with hands-on impact. As a leading ecosystem player, we drive sustainable growth and the wellbeing economy.

Our approach to learning, research, and the future is bold, visionary, and fueled by uncompromising passion. Our expertise focuses on the energy transition, wellbeing economy, digitalisation, and international business. We educate the future makers who will shape Finland – and beyond.

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 realisation 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 partner 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 recognised research leader and a competitive, attractive research environment

Multidisciplinary research areas and open research platforms
Smart specialisation 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.