Technology Industries of Finland donates €100,000 to Tampere University

“Tampere University has an important role in conducting research and providing education in the fields of technology both in Finland and beyond. Technology Industries of Finland is a key supporter and partner for our University. In addition, the valuable support provided by the Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation has, among other things, enabled the University to establish a professorship in engineering pedagogy,” President Mari Walls says.

The professorship in engineering pedagogy and the launch of related research activities are prime examples of the long-term development of teaching and quality management activities carried out at Tampere University. The University embraces a multidisciplinary approach that brings together research and education in technology, health and society, crosses conventional organisational boundaries and promotes multidisciplinary research.

There is an increasing demand in the working world for the type of skills acquired in higher education institutions. Currently 60% of new employees recruited to technology companies have completed tertiary qualifications, and this share has long been on the rise. The national vision for higher education in 2030 sets out a goal to increase the share of the population with tertiary qualifications, and with good reason. 

“The significant growth in student numbers must naturally be reflected in the budget framework of higher education institutions. However, money is not the answer to everything as we must also rethink higher education to meet future needs. Through educational collaboration, it is possible to achieve economies of scale. It is also important for higher education institutions to gain a strong foothold in the commercial market of continuous learning,” says Laura Juvonen, executive director for growth and skills at Technology Industries of Finland.

“With this donation, we want to encourage universities to engage in strategic collaboration and strengthen their partnerships with industry and business. Universities and companies play an important role in building expertise and fostering innovation, which provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth. This is the time to be courageous in seeking growth and renewal,” Juvonen says.

Achieving sustainable growth is possible if we invest in digitalisation, low-carbon solutions and the circular economy. Close collaborations and long-time partnerships between universities and companies are the key drivers of investment.

 

Photo Jonne Renvall

 

_{Technology Industries of Finland has made a donation to Aalto University, the University of Jyväskylä, LUT University, the University of Oulu, Tampere University, the University of Turku, the University of Vaasa, Åbo Akademi University, the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland. The background for the donation is the decision made by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra to invest €100 million to be added to the capital of Finnish universities. The Finnish government will allocate this sum, split into two instalments paid in 2020 and 2022, to universities based on the private donations they have collected. Universities have launched fundraising campaigns relating to the government pledge.}