The preparations for higher education collaboration in eastern Finland have moved on to the next stage. At its meeting, the steering group outlined five thematic areas and decided to continue specifying structural models for collaboration.
The steering group for preparing the deepening of collaboration between higher education institutions in eastern Finland discussed the state of preparation, the proposals of the working groups and the direction of further preparations at its meeting of 17 June 2026.
The preparatory work started in early June when the vision group and the working group focusing on collaboration structures began their work. The steering group coordinates the negotiations, outlines further measures and prepares proposals for the decision-making of the parties. It is also responsible for scheduling the preparations. The group includes representatives of the owner cities, the universities of applied sciences and the University of Eastern Finland.
The learn more about the tasks and composition of the working groups, see the news article on the university’s website.
Steering group discussed the key aspects of the preparation
A report commissioned by Savonia from DSSc Jarkko Tirronen was presented at the meeting. Titled Rakenne vai vaikuttavuus? – Korkeakoulujen välisen yhteistyön uusi suunta (Structure or impact – A new direction for collaboration between higher education institutions), the report provides background information on the options for developing higher education collaboration.
Tirronen’s report will be used in the next steps of the process. The steering group also identified a need for more extensive research data and decided that the university will commission a survey from an independent researcher or research group on the operation of existing higher education groups and their impact.
The vision group presented to the steering group an overview of the progress of the work and proposals for further guidelines. The preparation will focus on themes where collaboration can provide concrete added value already in the short term without immediate structural solutions.
The steering group outlined, based on the proposals of the vision group, that the preparations be continued in the following thematic areas of collaboration: education and student experience, strengthening RDI cooperation, staff and competence, regional impact and internationality.
The steering group also decided that in service collaboration, services where collaboration can provide added value to the development and implementation of services will be identified.
In further examination, account will be taken of different scenarios, such as contract-based collaboration, i.e., the alliance model, and the group model.
The work of the vision group is linked to the long-term goals of the preparations, which extend into the 2030s and emphasise the predictable added value of collaboration to all parties.
Preparation of collaboration structures will continue based on two models
The working group focusing on collaboration structures reported to the steering group on the progress of its work and presented views on the direction of further preparation.
The steering group outlined that the models for proceeding with the higher education collaboration will be specified by comparing contract-based collaboration, i.e., the alliance model, and the university group model.
The link between structural preparations and vision work will be strengthened so that the substantive and structural examination will progress in parallel and support each other.
Next steps and communication
The preparations will continue in June in bilateral discussions with the owner cities. The work of the working groups will continue in August, and the steering group will meet again on 25 August to discuss the working groups’ proposals and to outline further steps.
Communication will be coordinated in collaboration with the higher education institutions and the cities. The communications team will consist of the heads of communication of the owner cities and the higher education institutions, and information will be provided on the progress of the work, as a rule, after steering group meetings.
Further information:
Tapio Määttä, Rector of the University of Eastern Finland, Chair of the Steering Group, +358 50 575 1589, [email protected]
Further information about the preparations for the Eastern Finland University Community on website.
