West Coast Cooperation

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS), Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), Centria University of Applied Sciences, and Novia University of Applied Sciences collectively known as the West Coast Universities of Applied Sciences, form a clear competence cluster with focus areas in industry, energy, logistics, health and well-being, and security of supply. In the initial phase of the collaboration, special emphasis is placed on cooperation centered around digital manufacturing technology and robotics, as well as clean energy solutions. Since the beginning of 2023, these universities have committed to a close West Coast Program, enabled and supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The West Coast Program 2023–2025 of VAMK, TUAS, SAMK, Centria and Novia is built around two current themes: digital manufacturing technology and robotics, and clean energy solutions. These thematic priorities have emerged from the regions’ smart specialization strategies, the needs of local industries, and the strategic focuses of the local universities of applied sciences. The long-term goal of this cooperation is to strengthen the knowledge base of the West Coast and thus support regional development, as well as to enhance proactive approaches and multidisciplinary collaboration to solve systemic challenges. Close cooperation on the West Coast enables the implementation of more impactful RDI projects, the provision of high-quality joint training programs, and addresses the region’s skills shortage.

The strategic needs of industries and the labor market are common across the West Coast region, and collaboration has naturally been in place for a long time. In addition to the current themes, cooperation is being strengthened in well-being, security of supply, and logistics. New business models are naturally integrated into the overall framework. Moreover, the West Coast shares a long-standing and close cooperation with Sweden and Norway. The green transition, skills shortage, and changes in the security environment due to the energy crisis further emphasize the importance of active collaboration between Finland, Sweden, and Norway; thus, the West Coast Program aims for closer cooperation with Swedish and Norwegian partners as well.

The Growing Importance of the West Coast

The significance of the West Coast for Finland’s competitiveness, vitality, and well-being is critical. For example, one in four industrial establishments with more than ten employees is located on the West Coast. Additionally, the region produces one-fifth of the country’s GDP. The West Coast accounts for over one-third of Finland’s goods exports and is among the national leaders in high value-added products. The substantial number of high-tech export companies in the West Coast makes the area significant for national security of supply and a fertile ground for new innovations and production technologies. The region clearly has an appeal: over 70% of graduates from the West Coast universities of applied sciences stay in the area for work. Currently, the share of RDI expenditures is already a quarter of the national total. Moreover, the region faces common challenges such as an aging population, labor shortages, and long distances.

Skilled Workforce and Diverse Support for Companies’ RDI Activities

The West Coast universities of applied sciences play a key role in producing a skilled workforce. The universities participating in the West Coast Program aim to ensure that companies and the labor market in the region continue to find the skilled workforce they need and can thus invest in increasing international competitiveness. This requires increasingly tailored educational programs, bolder RDI initiatives, and open co-development.

Intensifying research and educational collaboration enhances the overall attractiveness of the region and facilitates the recruitment of international talent. Additionally, universities of applied sciences are crucial in finding the best ways to develop the skills of the current workforce, improve workplace well-being, and increase employees’ readiness for innovation. Universities can also partner with companies in RDI projects, experiments, and innovations, providing, for example, validation for future investments.

Deepening Collaboration Means More Impactful RDI Activities

Southwest Finland, Ostrobothnia, Satakunta, and Central Ostrobothnia boast nationally significant expertise in digital manufacturing technology, automation, and robotics within the metal, construction, process, and bio-pharmaceutical industries. Deepening collaboration enables, in the long term, the sharing of research infrastructures and educational content, joint teaching, and more impactful RDI projects. Closer cooperation, for example, in the remote use of research infrastructure, also promotes the green transition and sustainable development.

The West Coast Program will create conditions for well-being throughout Finland through increased RDI funding, new innovations, and the development of expertise. The future is built on collaboration – Go West-Coast.