Increased impact sought for higher education institutions: New network-based collaboration planned in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area

 Aalto University, the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Helsinki, the Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences have launched preparations to intensify collaboration. This is expected to boost the impact of Finnish higher education and research through a network-based operating model.  

The new model will reflect equal partnerships between two universities and three universities of applied sciences. The intention is not to establish new structures, and each higher education institution will retain its independence. 

The higher education institutions involved believe that their network-based collaboration model will bolster Finland’s dynamism and growth and help match toughening international competition. The Helsinki Metropolitan Area is an important hub of knowledge and growth that plays a vital role in Finland’s success as a whole.  

“The higher education institutions involved in planning the collaboration model together account for almost 100,000 degree students and 15,000 researchers, teachers and experts. In addition, each institution is part of European university alliances and has strong global networks. Taken together, this provides an excellent basis for further enhancing our impact for the success of the capital region and Finland as a whole,” says Riitta Konkola, President and CEO of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

The network-like collaboration model will be useful in developing student mobility and flexible study paths, in facilitating research and co-creation and in reinforcing partnerships between the public sector and business. 

The first stage of preparations involves determining joint objectives and practices for the development of education, research and innovation. These guidelines are expected to be ready in June.  

The initiative for planning a network-like collaboration model in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area came from the Rector of the University of Helsinki.

Further information

Aalto University
President Ilkka Niemelä
president [at] aalto.fi (president[at]aalto[dot]fi), +358 50 452 4690 (Management Assistant Hely Kilpeläinen)

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
President, CEO Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta
susanna.niinisto-sivuranta [at] haaga-helia.fi (susanna[dot]niinisto-sivuranta[at]haaga-helia[dot]fi), +358 50 5115 382

Helsinki University
Rector Sari Lindblom
rector [at] helsinki.fi (rector[at]helsinki[dot]fi), +358 294 122 210 (Management Assistant Taina Värri)

Laurea University of Applied Sciences
President, CEO Jouni Koski
jouni.koski [at] laurea.fi (jouni[dot]koski[at]laurea[dot]fi), +358 46 856 7660

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
President, CEO Riitta Konkola
riitta.konkola [at] metropolia.fi (riitta[dot]konkola[at]metropolia[dot]fi), +358 44 342 8946 (Management Assistant Minna Nurmikari)

The spokesperson of the network is Rector Sari Lindblom.