Olli-Pekka Viinamäki appointed Director of University Consortium of Seinäjoki
Viinamäki has amassed more than 20 years of experience from the university sector; especially from the promotion of interaction and cooperation between universities, businesses, and the public sector. He has held multiple research and teaching roles at the University of Vaasa and various scientific expert roles in Finland and internationally.
Viinamäki transfers to the post of Director from his current post as Managing Director of the Ostrobothnia University Association, which he has held since 2019. This means that he is familiar with the RDI and education needs of businesses and municipalities in the South Ostrobothnia region.
Viinamäki notes that the University Association has been a good vantage point for promoting research, development, and innovation activities, as well as to the opportunities created by the vitality of municipalities and the expansion of university studies.
“Successful and effective results are achieved when universities, municipalities and companies work together. The cooperation is good and extensive, but in my role as Director of the University Consortium, I will still invest in promoting cooperation,” Viinamäki says.
“South Ostrobothnia and Seinäjoki do not fare very well when measured by the volume of RDI activities or the number of university-educated people. However, the area has much potential: business activities are exceptionally lively, and the level of employment is among the best in Finland. There is a great shortage of talent. The University Consortium’s multidisciplinary Epanet professorship network and universities are the best partners for companies in accelerating their development and innovation activities. I also find it important that the numbers of degree education and continuous education are rising,” Viinamäki adds.
Further information:
Provost Jarmo Takala, jarmo.takala [at] tuni.fi, 040 541 6897
Olli-Pekka Viinamäki, Director of University Consortium of Seinäjoki from 7 August, 050 554 0789
