LOCAL – GLOBAL: Report on regional responsibility by Häme University of Applied Sciences 2016

Page 1

LOCAL – GLOBAL Report on regional responsibility by Häme University of Applied Sciences 2016

Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is the region’s only higher education institution; thus there are many expectations placed on HAMK regarding the development of the area. In accordance with our strategy, HAMK students are in the key role and business life is the direct beneficiary. Our many campuses ensure that we are near the sub-regions’ activities. This is HAMK’s fourth report on regional responsibility. In our first report, we strongly highlighted the viewpoints of our partners. In the second, we focused on providing concrete examples of our development activities. The third report highlighted our strategy-based task to have a sustainable, responsible and long-term impact on the region. This fourth Report on Regional Responsibility expands on the concept of regional responsibility in a more international direction – not forgetting locality.


www.hamk.fi Staff email addresses are of the format firstname.lastname@hamk.fi

LOCAL – GLOBAL, Report on regional responsibility by Häme University of Applied Sciences 2016 Editorial board: Mervi Friman, Anne Laakso, Lea Mustonen & Janne Salminen Häme University of Applied Sciences PO Box 230 FI-13101 Hämeenlinna, FINLAND Tel. + 358 3 6461 firstname.lastname@hamk.fi www.hamk.fi Photos: Photographers cited in connection with the articles and the HAMK photo archive Design: Matleena Eerola Layout: Jonna Lahti & Elina Wathén Printed by KTMP Group Oy, Mustasaari


Contents 1

HAMK takes part in progress.....................................................................................................4

2

Act globally, benefit locally.........................................................................................................5

3

We work together with our partners........................................................................................6

3.1 Strategic partnerships make HAMK stronger................................................................................................6 3.2 Cooperation establishes the operators of the future ................................................................................ 7 3.3 HAMK and Häme Entrepreneurs' Association to increase cooperation.............................................. 7 3.4 Cooperation between HAMK and Armoured Brigade kicks off actively.............................................8 3.5 Development of the Häme region is a group effort and requires staying power ............................8 3.6 Framework agreement between Finlands Scouter ry and HAMK strengthens cooperation ......9 3.7 Internationalisation with HAMK......................................................................................................................... 10

4

HAMK visio 2020: the most inspiring higher education and customer-oriented applied research.............................................................................12

4.1 Research cooperation in outdoor testing between HAMK's Sheet Metal Centre and Feevale University.........................................................................................................................................12 4.2 Research collaboration with VIA taking great strides................................................................................12 4.3 Shoes from banana fibre..................................................................................................................................... 13 4.4 Forssa's bright green and industrial symbiosis have sparked interest................................................14 4.5 Self-sufficiency in albumen on the rise in Häme .........................................................................................14 4.6 Wireless toy ball – an engineer must have a command of the skills needed in the increasingly international workplace.............................................................................................................. 15 4.7 Export of expertise supports regional development................................................................................ 16 4.8 Students bring internationality to Valkeakoski............................................................................................ 16 4.9 Smart technology helps the visually impaired keep mobile....................................................................17 4.10 Students compiled an extensive timetable for students .........................................................................17

5

Students as a resource for regional development........................................................... 18

5.1 Students as the operators of the future......................................................................................................... 18 5.2 Summer studies facilitate interaction between education and the professional world............... 19 5.3 Summer project: HAMK took part in the Power Cup................................................................................. 19 5.4 Adult education and regional development with a flexible approach...............................................20 5.5 Learning centred approach establishes a foundation for design of the UAS campus................ 20 Number of students studying at Häme University of Applied Sciences 2015.......................................... 22 HAMK's performance in 2011 – 2015.......................................................................................................................... 23 Personnel at Häme University of Applied Sciences 2015................................................................................ 23


1

HAMK takes part in progress

Universities of applied sciences are presently going through an important transitional phase. Especially the financing cuts that target the university of applied sciences sector have been notable , even dramatic. For this reason, it is clear that the capacity of universities of applied sciences to carry out effective regional development has declined. However, key performance indicators demonstrate the ability of universities of applied sciences to reform. Students complete their studies at a faster pace, the export of expertise is growing and project activities are progressing rapidly. Limited financing has encouraged actors to improve the effectiveness of their activities, to search for stronger partnerships, and to do things together. This can be viewed all around as positive development. HAMK is also doing well. Our results demonstrate evident development, especially with regard to our indicators for education. We are one of the leading universities of applied sciences in the area of research activities in Finland. Our research units (Professional Excellence, Bioeconomy, Sheet Metal Centre and Smart Services) all have an extensive project base and a broad-scoped cooperation network.

HAMK Strategy 2020 making headway An effort has been made to improve prerequisites for activities especially with the conclusion of three strategic partner-

ship agreements. One is an international alliance with Danish VIA University College and Brazilian Feevale University. The second is an agreement on strategic cooperation that will strengthen the BIO industry. These two agreements will strengthen HAMK's expertise base as an institution of higher education. The third is a strategic partnership with Häme Entrepreneurs’ Association, which improves the prerequisites for actual cooperation between HAMK and the region's companies. The two agreements will strengthen HAMK's impact on the operating area. We are aware that the role of our corporate partners as a part of our activities must be further strengthened. Business Services, a one stop operating principle for HAMK services, is already on its second round of development. In autumn 2016, we will offer extensive student projects to companies and the public sector as part of our strategy-based 8–16 teaching model. Business Services plays a key role in this work. We are building an institution of higher education with a high professional profile. An institution of higher education that can offer degrees at all different levels, strong applied research activities, development and innovation activities as well as higher education level expertise for our region's best interests.

PERTTI PUUSAARI RECTOR

4


2

Act globally, benefit locally

The environmental movement has brought the saying "Think globally, act locally" to Finland. Strategies that aim to promote the export of expertise have turned this idea on its head. Act globally, benefit locally. Internationality makes us stronger. We can use global networks to supplement our own expertise. Cooperation with our international strategic partners in education, in research and evaluation services as well as in the export of teaching technology will also produce something new for us. Shared online courses, a shared pool of experts and research will become cumbersome to realise in practice, if the work is carried out on top of our own regional work. For this reason, it is important to learn to think internationally and remember that differences give rise to new insights. There are huge risks related to the export of expertise. HAMK is not establishing a separate export company, but rather it will assign the activities to units. The work involves careful selection of priorities, so that international activities do not eat up regional resources but increase them. Cooperation and the export of expertise must increase our competence, balance our finances and strengthen our profile as a university of applied sciences. A good reputation as an international institution of higher education will also make it easier to recruit students and experts.

As we all live on the same globe and must solve shared challenged, thinking internationally is important. Internationality is also important from a selfish standpoint; in order to succeed, regions will need to increase their internationality. Thus, this does not only concern HAMK, but the entire region's internationality. The urban areas and counties in which HAMK is active are building their own international strategies. We must be able to join forces in this effort. Finland is not a self-sufficient islet. We are a strong and skilled country. HAMK cannot exist by closing in on itself, but rather must open up. Internationality does not only comprise the export of expertise. Above all else, it is and must be something that brings added value to our students. TARJA FILATOV MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF HĂ„ME UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, LTD

5


3

We work together with our partners

3.1 Strategic partnerships make HAMK stronger On 17 May 2016, Häme University of Applied Sciences and its strategic partners Feevale University (Brazil) and VIA University College (Denmark) concluded an alliance agreement. The proposed name for the alliance is Beyond – Alliance for Knowledge. HAMK took its first steps towards international cooperation 25 years ago. Little by little, this has grown into a working relationship, partnership and last spring into an alliance. The alliance agreement will allow work carried out together to become more in-depth and for it to benefit students, the region and HAMK's development. HAMK's objective is to be the region's primary higher education institution with a high professional profile. The alliance plays a key role in this development, especially with regard to HAMK's role as a promoter of expertise. The alliance agreement states that HAMK and its allied institutions of higher education will form a shared pool of experts, build international network-like research units, establish a shared virtual campus, promote export of expertise as well as utilise each other's corporate networks. The cooperation will involve the diverse use of modern digital work methods in both education and research. These will al-

6

low students to have more possibilities to develop their expertise in international groups. Shared expertise forms a strong foundation for multidisciplinary research and development projects, in which the circular economy and well-being expertise are of common interest.

Participants at the partnership seminar at HAMK in spring 2015.

HEIDI AHOKALLIO-LEPPÄLÄ VICE RECTOR, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES


3.2 Cooperation establishes the operators of the future Natural Resources Institute Finland is a strong actor in the Häme region and takes part in close research and development cooperation with the region's actors in the bioeconomy and natural resources sector. A cooperation agreement signed by Natural Resources Institute Finland and HAMK in 2016 kicked off a project to promote research, education and cooperation as well as the practical implementation of related measures. The focus areas of this cooperation have now been determined, the objectives identified and shared project activities have been built in the long-term to respond to the bioeconomy challenges that have arisen both within the region and internationally. The objective is to effectively produce benefits for society and especially the Häme region. Research and education share many common phenomena: both are in a state of continuous change, as teaching and research results must be brought closer to actual actors and applications. The objective is for Natural Resources Finland and HAMK to act together in the future closer than previously to the enterprise interface and for them to produce practical applications to support business and entrepreneurship. Cooperation will include the drafting of a plan on how infrastructure as well as education and research platforms can be developed and utilised in manner that will allow education, research and corporate partners to use them more effectively. The research project with Natural Resources Finland will offer students a

multitude of study opportunities; materials and topics for theses and practical experience of research work. In the future, we will take part in an increasing amount of cooperation in the acquisition and utilisation of materials and data resources. The current specialisation of regions as well as the profiling of institutions of higher education and universities will give rise to new, even more close-knit interest groups formed of multiple actors. In these groups research and education are a fixed and natural part of business-based networks. The increasingly close-knit cooperation in research-education-business also in Häme will help in establishing our own even more solid innovation ecosystem.

JUTTA KAUPPI DIRECTOR NATURAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE LUKE

3.3 HAMK and Häme Entrepreneurs' Association to increase cooperation Häme Entrepreneurs' Association represents 3,200 Häme Proper-based companies. This comprises half of the region's full-time entrepreneurs and companies. The objective of closer cooperation is to produce extensive benefits for our shared clients and added vitality for profitable companies based in the Häme region. In accordance with the alliance agreement, we are making an effort to support the internationalisation of the region's companies, RDI activities and expertise. The instruments we are using include project and research activities, communication cooperation as well as sharing of expertise . The alliance agreement signed in spring 2016

has promoted closer cooperation in project preparation. At the end of August, HAMK and Häme Entrepreneurs’ Association had two shared international projects under evaluation by financiers. This past year, at the prompting of the Häme Entrepreneurs’ Association and working together as a partner to entrepreneurs, HAMK participated in the realisation of the Hämeen Kasvuväylä as part of the Kasvu Open tour. A total of 53 companies took part in Hämeen Kasvuväylä, which is an excellent outcome by national standards. Cooperation in practice has increased trust between the partners. Growing trust capital will become a strong resource in the development of the region, and will benefit our region's business and industry.

JUHA HAUKKA MANAGING DIRECTOR HÄME ENTREPRENEURS' ASSOCIATION

7


3.4 Cooperation between HAMK and Armoured Brigade kicks off actively The preparation of cooperation between HAMK and the Armoured Brigade began in 2015. It will significantly increase the amount of cooperation the Armoured Brigade has participated in with educational institutions in the past. After preliminary meetings, the first work meetings were quickly carried out and a mutual desire led to the signing of a cooperation agreement in August 2015. The agreement is valid until the end of 2017, and a mechanism has been created for its extension.

Cooperation has been motivating and it began quite actively. During the last part of 2016, the parties are able to identify the collaboration that has already taken place and this will help in the planning of operating practices for 2017.

Staff, as well as students and conscripts, involved in studies, were immediately determined as the target groups for collaboration. The steering group confirmed an action plan for 2016, which covers 9 agreed to areas of cooperation. The Armoured Brigade's key objectives were to form a study module, which can provide statutory civilian education required by vehicle inspection legislation to soldiers, who will become Class A inspectors of armoured vehicles and vehicle inspectors after special training organised by Finland's Army. The second central objective is to help conscripts completing their service apply to study at HAMK and increase the likelihood that the credits they have acquired during their military training will be transferred and accepted during their future studies.

The agreement was concluded in August 2015 In the photo: Rector Pertti Puusaari, Commanding Officer of the Armoured Brigade and Colonel Pekka Järvi.

PEKKA PURTONEN, LIEUTENANT COLONEL, ARMOURED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

3.5 Development of the Häme region is a group effort and requires staying power While developing the Häme region, we aim to ensure that " people will want to work, live and enjoy life in Häme". Although, our location on Finland's growth path gives us an advantage, success is not a given. Success requires consistent work. The choices made today will provide a foundation for good futures for years or even decades to come. The Häme programme demonstrates the direction for the region's development and list the resources for its realisation. Smart specialised choices aim to ensure the sustainable success of the region. Growth paths and accessibility, housing and wellbeing, bioeconomy and sustainable use of natural resources, improving conditions for manufacture-based technology, internationalisation and appeal have been selected as the Häme programme's areas of focus. The programme was completed as a result of regional work and is compatible with HAMK's strategy. The world is changing and the environment for development with it. Greater expectations are being placed on HAMK as the key operator responsible for the realisation of development project. Competition for resources is continuously growing as

8

national financing is now allocated more and more to Northern and Eastern Finland. In addition to Natural Resources Institute Finland, which is based in Jokioinen, HAMK is one of the only actors based in Tavastia Proper that is able to utilise demanding international financing sources to their full extent. Long-term cooperation between HAMK and the Regional Council of Häme, has led to the launch of the SYMBI this autumn by Interreg Europe. The project aims to promote the internationalisation of circular economy actors in the Forssa area. One project will not save the world or even our region, but this is exactly what we need more of. MATTI LIPSANEN ACTING MUNICIPAL MANAGER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF HÄME


3.6 Framework agreement between Finlands Scouter ry and HAMK

strengthens cooperation

In spring 2016, Finlands Scouter and HAMK entered into a framework agreement on cooperation. Cooperation is based on four focus areas; development of expertise, cooperation linked to camps held in the Evo area, shared visibility and cooperation related to the Scouters' forest programme. The first Scouters' event where the agreement was applied in full was the Scouters' large camp – Finnjamboree Roihu 2016 – which was held between 20 and 28 July 2016 at Hämeenlinna's Evo. At Roihu, HAMK and Finland's Scouter developed operating models that will help in promoting the visibility of expertise gained from participation in scouting activities, and

which will be recognised and approved by the education system and the professional world. HAMK had its own booth at the Roihu camp in the partnership village, where HAMK's multifaceted range of study options was highlighted. HAMK's forestry students provided logs for the construction of different camp structures for Roihu Finnjamboree, HAMK also rented facilities for the scouters to use during the camp.

TIMO SINIVUORI DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION FINLANDS SCOUTER RY

In July 2016, HAMK took part in the Roihu Camp at Evo.

9


3.7 Internationalisation with HAMK HAMK increases the area's appeal and intellectual capital. It increases social capital and is a part of an innovation hub. All this in an international context. HAMK represents the highest level of education in Valkeakoski. It has an important role in the strengthening of expertise increasing social capital and building an innovative environment. It also has an extremely important role in the entire economic area's business policy and its appeal as study opportunities are valued when selecting an area to live in. Centring all educational institutions on the same campus has created possibilities for a broader range of courses to be offered to students studying at the university of applied sciences as well as at upper secondary institutions. There are approximately 2,500 students attending a variety of different educational institutions on the Valkeakoski campus. Of the 650 students at HAMK's Valkeakoski unit, nearly 300 are foreign students and they represent over 40 different nationalities. The upper secondary students on the campus can grow in an international environment, and it is a natural part of their studies and life. Valkeakoski has been an excellent pioneer in this area. The presence of foreign students has had an influence on the city's image, atmosphere and reputation. They establish activity and a positive buzz in the city. Students are utilised by companies as interns, as project and thesis project participants as well as links with the student's home country. However, there is still much to learn in the area of corporate cooperation and in how their international networks could be utilised more effectively than at present. Foreign teachers and students bring influences from around the world to the region, but at the same time also share information about out city with people around the world. The exposure we get from information shared through this network cannot be bought even through marketing.

10

JUKKA VARONEN MAYOR OF VALKEAKOSKI


SAMI SULKKO, MAYOR OF FORSSA* (*AT THE TIME THIS WAS WRITTEN IN AUGUST 2016)

HAMK adds expertise, vitality and student dynamics to our city. Our city has gained important expertise and exceptionally large networks from HAMK, which serve the development of the city's vitality and increase interest in our city.

LAURI INNA, MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF HATTULA HAMK is important for our municipality, as its unit in Lepaa increases the vitality of our municipality in the form of jobs and students. The unit is also of high profile nationally. HAMK is important for our municipality as a regional developer. HAMK adds jobs for the highly educated, students, tourists and national recognition to our municipality.

TIMO KENAKKALA, MAYOR OF HÄMEELINNA Without HAMK our city would lack an important part of our "vibe", hope for the future, appeal and the potential to develop one's own activities. HAMK is a partner that enforces our city brand and provides expertise in developing services. It is a partner that helps in labour matters and provides a "tool" for promoting entrepreneurship and brings with it a youthful and dynamic atmosphere. SEPPO KESKIRUOKANEN, MAYOR OF RIIHIMÄKI* (*AT THE TIME THIS WAS WRITTEN IN AUGUST 2016)

HAMK is important for our city as it strengthens regional development. Without HAMK our city would partly lack vitality. HAMK provides us with a general expertise base and indirect development aid.

KALLE LARSSON, MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TAMMELA HAMK is important for our municipality's image as an institution of higher education adds to our appeal. Without HAMK our municipality would lack an attractive education hub. HAMK provides support in developing out municipality.

11


4

HAMK visio 2020: the most inspiring higher education and customer-oriented applied research

4.1 Research cooperation in outdoor testing between HAMK's Sheet Metal Centre and Feevale University Researchers from HAMK's Sheet Metal Centre and Feevale University have cooperated in outdoor testing of materials in Finland and Brazil. A new outdoor testing field (Figure 1) was opened at Feevale University in autumn 2015. After the opening, Feevale launched the testing of the Sheet Metal Centre's first testing series. Similarly, in April 2016 testing of samples provided by researchers at Feevale was initiated in Hämeenlinna. The samples that the Sheet Metal Centre sent to Brazil were sheets of coated and uncoated metal. In turn, the samples that arrived from Brazil were concrete enforced with electronics waste. The Sheet Metal Centre has extensive experience in the outdoor testing of materials, whereas this is a new area of research at Feevale University. The new testing field at Novo Hamburg allows the Sheet Metal Centre to test materials in an environment with high temperatures, relative humidity and high UV weathering. Feevale's researchers in turn are able to utilise Finland's testing fields to test the effects of cold conditions on materials. The first results are expected a year from the initiation of testing. From the results researchers will be able to determine the corrosivity of the testing field's conditions. Real-time climate data including air humidity, precipitation volumes, amount of air pollution and UV weathering is also collected at the testing fields. After

the completion of the first outdoor testing cooperation project, it will be easier to expand cooperation between HAMK and Feevale to new research areas. We certainly hope that our research cooperation will continue in the future.

Figure 1. Outdoor testing field on the Feevale campus in Novo Hamburg.

Figure 2. Outdoor testing field on the HAMK campus in Hämeenlinna. Photo: Mikko Långvik.

MIKKO LÅNGVIK, RESEARCH ENGINEER, SHEET METAL CENTRE JARMO HAVULA, DIRECTOR, AND, TIINA HAVULA RESEARCH ENGINEER, SHEET METAL CENTRE VANUSCA DALOSTO JAHNO, PHD IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES, FEEVALE UNIVERSITY

4.2 Research collaboration with VIA taking great strides HAMK has progressed to an alliance with two strategic international partners. They are Feevale University in Brazil and VIA University College in Denmark. The objective with regard to applied research is to create an international research and expert network that will also include national stakeholders and corporate partners. This will open up the possibility for fast utilisation of innovations and will promote the internationalisation of the network's companies. The circular economy is a systematic change in society the realisation of which will require multidisciplinary expertise.

12

Strengthening of expertise with strategic partners, through cooperation will in itself put the principles of circular economy and resource effectiveness into practice: staff and equipment resources are shared via teacher and student exchanges simultaneously increasing our expertise. Water is the indicator for global sustainable development. Access to clean water is a direct indicator of society's technological, social and economic advancement. Water conservation and water maintenance as part of the circular economy have been selected as shared focus points in strategic partnership.


Cooperation with VIA took great strides when both VIA and HAMK decided to develop teaching and research activities related to the circular economy theme. VIA's Supply Engineering Programme aims to respond to the same social challenges as the teaching, research and development work carried out at HAMK's Bioeconomy and Technology units. Work to build a shared research programme has been initiated through the work carried out by steering groups for cooperation in educa-

tion and research projects. In autumn 2016, a meeting between environmental and circular economy experts will be held on VIA's Horsen campus. Representatives of stakeholders will also be invited to this event.

MONA-ANITTA RIIHIMĂ„KI DIRECTOR, RESEARCH UNIT FOR BIOECONOMY

4.3 Shoes from banana fibre A great amount of banana fibre is created in Africa, and now an effort is being made to find ways to recycle and utilise it. Oona Ritari, a design graduate from HAMK wanted to determine the potential for using the fibre in the production of footwear. The idea was born, when representatives from the Ugandan FARA and AAIN organisations visited HAMK and the characteristics of banana fibre were examined in HAMK's laboratory. HAMK student Rabin Dahal (Environmental Engineer programme) compiled an extensive literature report on how banana fibre is used around the world. Oona Ritari has taken part in HAMK's developing world studies. She worked in Uganda with funding by the Emil Aaltonen foundation to investigate how well suited banana fibre is for footwear. Her objective was to find new natural materials to partially replace leather: "The Ugandan handicrafts tradition is in a league of its own, and combining our expertise to theirs has allowed new innovations to spring forth. We tested e.g. different twines for soles and textiles for the tops of shoes; all made from banana. The external sole is made only of rubber. If successful, the project would create jobs for locals, and the banana peel, which is often thought of as waste could be

utilised in a new way. This will hopefully also reduce the use of cheap imported footwear made of synthetic fibres. Footwear design teacher Marianne Nebo has encouraged Oona's project: "The idea of using banana fibre is innovative. It could open up new business opportunities and, at the time, create new information for the footwear design industry. This is also a good example of how global cooperation is carried out through education," says Nebo. FARA stands for Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa. AAIN in turn for African Agribusiness Incubation Network. FARA's business accelerator helps students and alumni develop their ideas for enterprise.

MERIANNE NEBO SENIOR LECTURER, DESIGN

Text: Lea Mustonen Photos: Oona Ritari

13


4.4 Forssa's bright green and industrial symbiosis have sparked interest Bright Green is a well-known brand in the Forssa area. The brand and cooperation with the region's companies in the utilisation of by-products are used in the region's marketing also abroad. The Bright Green brand and industrial symbioses have been presented in dozens of countries. They have sparked a great deal of interest and resulted in contacts by new parties, international projects and new business. Of the projects that are currently underway, the most broadscoped is the Interreg project named Symbi. Within its framework, researchers will examine the regulations and other possible factors that promote or hinder industrial symbioses in seven European countries. We will learn from the experiences and an effort will be made to eliminate obstacles that hinder development, The Forssa region's industrial symbiosis will also be researched to ensure that its regional impact is more apparent. Natural Resources Institute Finland and HAMK are cooperating in research.

Similarly, researchers from HAMK's Brazilian strategic partner Feevale University have grown interested in the forms of industrial cooperation in the Forssa region. HAMK's cleantech research group has worked on preparing three cooperation projects with Professor Fernando Spilki from the university's Water and Environment Department. One of these projects would centre on development of water maintenance, another on recycling of nutrients and the third on the control of urban runoffs. Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, Mozambique is also interested in joining the first. International project cooperation will bring added value to both education and research as well as to the marketing of Finnish environmental expertise. HARRI MATTILA PRINCIPAL LECTURER (RESEARCH), SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

4.5 Self-sufficiency in albumen on the rise in Häme The Albumen Forum is a cooperation network that aims to promote awareness and use of domestic albumen both as human nutrition and pet food. The use of legumes as part of human nutrition was discussed at the pellonpiennarpäivä event and the innovation workshop. Legumes are nutritious and healthy, and their use must be increased. Domestic albumen offers a range of options for preparation of meals, but consumers need more information and the products must receive more visibility than currently. The "Bean Challenge" realised together with the ScenoProt project campaigns in favour of domestic albumen by sharing information on albumen and recipes for its use. People can visit Mustiala to learn about observation points for albumen plants and meet with experts to learn a diverse range of information on albumen. Domestic albumen offers a range of different options for pet food. The Albumen Forum examined the possibility of storing crushed broad beans and the optimal harvest time for stored feed, as well as farming of peas as mixed crops and its value as an early crop. Broad beans and peas are good options for pet feed. These add flexibility to harvest times and diversity to meals. Crushed storage is one way to cut down on the hazardous materials in broad beans, which limit its use for food for species with one stomach.

14

Cooperation with the sector's operators has been increased. The Albumen Expertise Centre provides solutions for Häme’s self-sufficiency in albumen project has been conducted by HAMK and Natural Resources Institute Finland, and it has been partially funded by the ERDF. See more: www.hamk.fi/valkuaisfoorumi KATARIINA MANNI SENIOR LECTURER, AGRICULTURAL AND RULAR INDUSTRIES

Modern laboratory conditions facilitate research-based learning.


4.6 Wireless toy ball – an engineer must have a command of the skills needed in the increasingly international workplace Information technology project course IP Smart Systems 2016 united students from Finland, Brazil and Germany. They met up in Riihimäki and between meetings, students worked via distance connections. The result was a bagful of smart products and an abundance of knowledge on international project expertise. The student group comprised HAMK's second year students in Information and Communication Technology and a handful of German and Brazilian students, who came from Fachhochschule in Stralsund and Feevale University. The studies were part of the 15 credit Smart Systems module. The realisation was planned together with teachers from the partnering universities. The Internet of Things (IoT), which combines people, the internet, devices and sensors and data analysis, was a shared area of learning. At the start of the project, participants brain-

stormed and after this started to consider what the gained ideas could mean in actual products. Product ideas were refined into a miniature fridge, a wireless weather station and a wireless toy ball. According to the students, the project taught them international teamwork and communication skills, project management and naturally technological skills as well as the C++ programming language. According to laboratory engineer Seppo Vihavainen, international partners bring their own additional ideas, but teaching does not in principle differ from the norm: "We study very basic topics. International realisation adds a bit of pressure for students, as students need to realise the customer's concept." Feevale University is HAMK's second strategic international partnering institution of higher education. The cooperation has now extended to the level of students.

JARI MUSTAJÄRVI HEAD OF DEGREE PROGRAMME INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The Internet of Things (IoT), which combines people, the internet, devices and sensors and data analysis, was a shared area of learning Text and photos: Lea Mustonen

15


4.7 Export of expertise supports regional development Our objective is to ensure that export of expertise becomes a central part of HAMK's activities. We have already taken significant steps forward. One example is the VET Teachers for the Future programme, which over one hundred Brazilian teachers of different fields took part in. The programme focuses on new types of learning methods as well as specifically working world connections gained through the training. The distant country of Brazil is seemingly closer, when the participants visit Hämeenlinna's educational institutions, companies, and development and research organisations for a period of three months. Teachers from the Brazilian state-owned Federal Institute are typically the best in their field and, quite often, they have completed scientific degrees. For this reason, they are keen to form contacts and even try to form new business relationships with the region's companies. After their time in Finland, they develop teaching in their home country with the help of distance mentoring by HAMK teacher educators and share their expertise in their own Brazilian networks. Alumni are active communicators, and new creative cooperation is established in their enthusiastic network. Recently, the Brazilian and Finnish foreign ministers signed a policy for cooperation between the countries, and agreed that education and VET were of primary importance. Cooperation spanning over many years, three successful realisations

and multifaceted learning opportunities in cooperation with TAMK are now bearing fruit.

HAMK alumni in Rio.

SEIJA MAHLAMÄKI-KULTANEN UNIT DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL TEACHER EDUCATION IRMA KUNNARI PRINCIPAL LECTURER, SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL TEACHER EDUCATION

4.8 Students bring internationality to Valkeakoski Valkeakoski is HAMK's most international campus. A total of 837 Bachelors of Business Administration and 176 engineers have graduated from the campus's English-taught programmes. Of them 265 Bachelors of Business Administration and 144 engineers are not Finnish and represent 50 different nationalities. Every year, 50 students begin their studies in the International Business programme, which was launched in 1997, and 25 students in the Electrical and Automation Engineering programme, which was launched in 2008. Each year, around 55 exchange students study in Valkeakoski. Foreign students can help the area's companies in their efforts to internationalise. They bring their knowledge of their home country to companies and inevitably teach the companies' employees internationality. Students in turn get good work experience and become familiar with Finnish working life. Studies at Valkeakoski include the Market Entry project, which comprises a student compiled report on the groundwork required for internationalisation for 10–15 companies as well as yearly summer FUAS Innovation School project in which students carry out commissions for companies. HAMK's one hundred international partner universities must also be utilised better than previously in corporate cooperation.

16

Measures are in the works that would allow HAMK and its strategic partner universities, VIA University College in Denmark and Feevale University in Brazil to work together to help their areas' companies in their internalisation efforts. Starting next year, students from outside the EU and EEA will be charged tuition. Growing competition for foreign students will require fine tuning of degree programme so they are better than before as well as their more effective marketing. Alumni who have graduated from Valkeakoski will participate in marketing. Alumni relations can also be utilised by our corporate partners in their international business. In addition to the quality of education, an international atmosphere, housing of a high standard and promising work opportunities will influence what UAS students select. The Valkeakoski campus will continue to have the prerequisites to succeed in competition. ULLA BARD UNIT DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS LASSI MARTIKAINEN UNIT DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY


4.9 Smart technology helps the visually impaired keep mobile The Smart Services research unit studied things such as how multisensoriness and assisting technology could support learning and functional capacity for visually impaired people.

Matec's multidisciplinary research focuses on multisensory technological solutions the promote learning and independent coping.

Together with shopping centre Itis and MIPSoft Oy, the units developed and piloted solutions for finding one's way that are suited for the visually impaired and make independent mobility in large and echoing spaces simpler. As the research progressed, landmarks observed and named by of the visually impaired were selected as the basis for development of solutions. These virtual landmarks were appointed smart landmarks and iBeacons were situated at them.

See more on the Tikkurila Travel Centre's solutions. https:// youtu.be/Kl3rfpGE89M

Smart and accessible solutions for finding one's way have been developed for Tikkurila Travel Centre and the Itäkeskus metro station. As a result, a message system, which formed a smart sound environment was created together with the real-time timetable data sent from bus stops. Sound guides are sent to the BlindSquare application as well as to printed 3D raised maps which the visually impaired can touch. Additionally, a word map simulation can be downloaded in advance and listened to when approaching a location. In addition to these, guiding aural beacons are also being studied as are guiding floor element as well as their role in finding one's way. Aural beacons refer to devices that send sound signals that can be attached to key locations.

MERJA SAARELA HEAD OF THE MATEC RESEARCH GROUP, SMART SERVICES RESEARCH UNIT

See more www.hamk.fi/matec

4.10 Students compiled an extensive timetable for students The HAMK's five-person information processing student team has made a mobile timetable service for the 2015–2016 academic year. "The Oiva service is born from practical need to simplify the management of day to day life: Student can access their own timetables as well as their group's timetables, campus cafeteria menus, the academic year calendar and the a search for free meeting spaces via their smartphone. Our objective was to create a user-friendly platform where students can add functions according the actual needs of students," explained Mikael Lehto, who was one of the students participating in the project. Project Manager Mika Rintala commissioned the work for HAMK. "Commissioning our own students to carry out an ICT project was a joy. In this way we were able to immediately combine user needs, development work and learning, and the result was a documented product that we can utilise in the future and which is based on open data. HAMK's open inter-

faces will be integrated in the future with our own teaching and Oiva's expansion with e.g. a course a search will be implemented in the future. These days, open data is a way to offer information for utilisation," Rintala outlines. HAMK offers information content and interfaces for use in teaching and application development use free of charge: facilities and their reservation, courses and their realisation as well as curricula. Service website: oiva.hamk.fi Read more: Lehto, M. (2016) Mobiilisovellustyypit ja niillä kehittämisen vaihtoehdot: Case: Häme University of Applied Sciences mobile services. http://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/106545 MIKA RINTALA ICT PROJECT MANAGER, INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SEVICES

17


5

Students as a resource for regional development

5.1 Students as the operators of the future Students are now and will continue to be an important part of the Häme and South Pirkanmaa area. This region has approximately 7,000 UAS students, who simultaneously with their studies live, take part in hobbies and work there. The students hold a great amount of broad-scoped expertise, and thus they add skilled and youthful labour force to the area. Students are the operators of the future, but work to ensure the future must be launched now. HAMK educates bioeconomy experts to meet with and add to the area's demand in the Cleantech expertise. They are strong operators in the midst of the upheaval of the social and healthcare reform, who promote the business expertise of the growth passage both nationally and internationally and are steadfast experts for numerous needs in the sectors of technology. In order to develop into professionals, students need a safe environment, a stable and sufficient income, encouragement from their institution of higher education. as well as encouragement from the professional world. Students must be guaranteed a safe living environment for the duration of their studies as must all the other residents in the region's. A students' income is continuously a topic of discussion, and the education policy sector is in continuous upheaval and it is difficult to predict what will come in the future.

We hope that the region's companies will participate more actively in cooperation. It would be fantastic if the region's companies offered students more summer jobs and internships and in this way encouraged students to remain in the region in the future as the region’s top experts in their field. Especially our international students have found it difficult to find local companies to which they could offer their own expertise. The university of applied sciences must also actively survey the opportunities provided by the business world. To ensure that students remain in HAMK's area of activity after the completion of their studies, contentment with the area, its services and especially the availability of employment in their own field are very important. It is a good idea to snap up students already during their studies, as this will make it more probable that they will remain in the area to develop the area and themselves. We – the students, HAMK, regional players and companies – hope that we can cooperate even more in the future and make our region thrive so that the region's university of applied science would become even more desirable place to study. The students of operators of the future and the future we are making looks good. EMMA KOKKONEN CHAIR, BOARD OF STUDENT UNION OF HÄME UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

18


5.2 Summer studies facilitate interaction between education and the professional world In May 2016, the summer studies began at our excellence in technology unit for the seventh year running. During the summer, students have had the opportunity to develop their expertise by resolving challenges set by companies and various organisations. Online theory studies supported the projects.

familiar with when considering recruitment of new employees. Cooperation may continue in the form of a thesis project or job. Many customers have influenced the results achieved in these projects.

Summer studies facilitate interaction between education and the professional world. Aa aural beacon, a mobile application for reducing leftover food, a tool for care of the elderly, a cooperation project with an international partner university; these are just some of the dozens of projects realised in summer 2016. For students, summer studies are one way in which to receive experience in the working world and to speed up their studies. Project add motivation and enthusiasm to studies. Internationality is strongly highlighted in summer studies, as part of the students are international degree students and some are exchange students studying in Finland for the summer. Online studies are realised in English, and English is the common language used in many projects. What do summer students give back to the customer? Customers are given new ideas and solutions as well as the newest perspectives on developing their activities. Projects are also a good way for customers to meet students, who they will be

TUIJA ENGBOM PRINCIPAL LECTURER, SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

5.3 Summer project: HAMK took part in the Power Cup The world's largest volleyball tournament for children and young people was held in Hämeenlinna on 12 June 2016. The tournament brought together young volleyball players, coaches, trainers, actors from sports club, as well as families, which ensured that the number of tournament participants was close to ten thousand. HAMK was in the event area distributing information on studies at universities of applied sciences and or-

ganised activities for tournament participants during breaks. HAMK's design programme's student group headed by Markku Mikkonen was responsible for the tournament's visibility around the city. Hämeenlinna's local Power Cup organisation was headed by HAMK alumni, Bachelor of Business Administration Anniina Antikainen.

MERVI FRIMAN HEAD OF STRATEGY MONITORING

Photo: Power Cup

19


5.4 Adult education and regional development with a flexible approach In autumn 2015, a new kind of study model for flexible studies at institutions of higher education was launched in HAMK most popular Bachelor's degree programmes. The model combines the Flipped Classroom 's pedagogy, team study, effective use of online tool as well as the utilisation of student work communities as learning environments and development areas. The idea behind the Flipped Classroom is based on the agile scrum framework used in software development, which is suited for finding solutions to complicated problems. Self-directed teams, clear work assignments, regular team meetings and sprint periods that last approximately a month at a time are fundament element of Scrum thinking. Students formed four-person teams at the very beginning of their studies. The teams were given a broad learning assignment: a phenomenon which they studies through theory and at the workplace. Student teams met regularly once a week and

reported on their work to their teachers. The teacher in turn monitored and guided the work regularly online. After approximately a month of work, the learning results were reported both in writing as well as during online interaction. Feedback on the studies has been very positive. Learning results have been excellent as has commitment to studies. Students have learned a great deal from one another, because student groups now hold more responsibility than previously. Additionally, each assignment includes research and development of the working world.

HELENA TURUNEN PRINCIPAL LECTURER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

5.5 Learning centred approach establishes a foundation for design of the UAS campus HAMK will centre all the studies it offers in Hämeenlinna on its Visamäki campus in 2017. Learning facilities will be located in same place as previously and these will be added to with two new buildings. Construction began in spring 2016. The new buildings will house a library, cafe, a media square as well as the teaching facilities for social welfare and health care studies, which are transferring to the main campus from Lahdensivu. Activities will be adjusted to smaller spaces, which will however better support activities, cooperation as well as the exchange of ideas. The campus has been designed in numerous workshops by staff and students using the methods of inclusive design. The new as well as the current facilities will be built so they can be flexibly modified. The facilities support both independent work and work in different sized groups and teams. All the campus facilities such as lobbies, the cafeteria and cafe will also be built so they are flexibly adjustable and can thus also function as student spaces. The staff's working spaces will be-

20

come multi-space environments on the new campus. The facilities support a community-geared leaning culture and renewed methods of working. HAMK wants to offer spaces for study, meeting with representatives of companies and for cooperation that motivate and are pleasant. The HAMK's central campus is a broad-scoped project and will continue for years to come even after the facilities themselves have been completed. The campus offers something new and something old, combining traditions with looking forward.

TUOMAS SALONEN DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BIRGITTA VARJONEN PRINCIPAL LECTURER


Conceptual drawing of the C-building's lobby at Hämeenlinna University Centre. Image by: JKMM Arkkitehdit Oy

Conceptual drawing of Hämeenlinna University Centre's main entrance. Image by: Arcadia Oy

21


Number of students studying at Häme University of Applied Sciences 2015

22


Personnel at Häme University of Applied Sciences 2015

HAMK's performance in 2011–2015 EDUCATION

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

967

966

1025

979

1013

87

105

95

100

130

Professional teacher education qualification

482

415

460

450

417

Students who have completed 55 credits

1 644

1 678

1 932

1 969

2 194

Credits for open UAS

559

579

1 216

2 552

5 444

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Publications

123

160

234

297

263

RDI person years

109

120

115

103

90

RDI credits

54 200

62 364

76 546

70 035

68 359

EU funding (1,000 euros)

2 904

3 395

3 116

3 074

913

119

80

35

219

291

External RDI funding (1,000 euros)

5 632

5 543

4 668

5 463

4 453

Corporate funding (1,000 euros)

1 100

978

770

835

731

Total RDI funding (1,000 euros)

7 602

8 105

7 164

8 681

8 835

Bachelor's degrees programmes Master's degrees programmes

RDI

Tekes funding (1,000 euros)

23


LOCAL – GLOBAL Report on regional responsibility by Häme University of Applied Sciences 2016

Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is the region’s only higher education institution; thus there are many expectations placed on HAMK regarding the development of the area. In accordance with our strategy, HAMK students are in the key role and business life is the direct beneficiary. Our many campuses ensure that we are near the sub-regions’ activities. This is HAMK’s fourth report on regional responsibility. In our first report, we strongly highlighted the viewpoints of our partners. In the second, we focused on providing concrete examples of our development activities. The third report highlighted our strategy-based task to have a sustainable, responsible and long-term impact on the region. This fourth Report on Regional Responsibility expands on the concept of regional responsibility in a more international direction – not forgetting locality.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.