Research and development

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) conducts research, development and innovation (RDI) with a distinctly practical emphasis, serving teaching and supporting industrial small and medium enterprises (SME) and service production, especially within South Ostrobothnia region. Profile Areas in RDI are Food safety and technology, Intelligent industry, Digitalisation in social and health care sector, Growth entrepreneurship and business transfers, Circular economy and sustainable development. SeAMK’s RDI supports the implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategy of South Ostrobothnia (pdf).

RDI is carried out in co-operation with regional, national, and EU level enterprises and organizations. Annually SeAMK implements over 100 externally funded projects. External funding amounts to about 6 million euros per year. Roughly 25% of RDI projects have international funding. Many of the projects are also conducted with international partners. Student involvement in RDI projects is vital to their studies and their objectives of becoming acknowledged experts in their fields.

Research groups

SeAMK has eight research groups whose activities include both research and development work. The research groups are based on SeAMK’s areas of expertise and themes important to the success of the region of South Ostrobothnia. Research groups include 15-40 experts. The goal of the research groups is to bring together SeAMK’s expertise in various fields, obtain external funding for research and development projects, make the expertise known and network nationally and internationally, and increase the effectiveness of RDI activities.

SeAMK’s research groups are:

• Growth Entrepreneurship and Business Transfers
• Tourism and Experience Business Development
• Digital Factory
• Future Vehicle Technologies
• Sustainable and Responsible Food Production
• Food Safety and Food Technology
• Health Promotion and Care
• Inclusion in the digital society