The Western Finland University Alliance strengthens the growth momentum of the west coast - Centria, SAMK, and SEAMK are forming a strategic alliance

Three universities of applied sciences in Western Finland – Centria, SAMK and SEAMK – are building a completely new operating model and a shared strategy. Cooperation between the three independent universities of applied sciences will strengthen vitality, expertise and growth across Western Finland.

Centria University of Applied Sciences, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SEAMK) together form the Western Finland University Alliance. The cooperation builds on the strengths of each university, the identified needs of their regions and opportunities jointly identified by the universities.

A distinctive feature of the alliance is the shared strategy being developed for the three universities of applied sciences. This is an in-depth strategic partnership between three independent universities, each with a strong understanding of the strengths of its own region. Each university will retain its own identity, decision-making and strengths, while cooperation will be deepened and made increasingly goal-oriented.

Shared strategy, up to 10 joint degree programmes and strong research and development

The cooperation is based on a strategic partnership launched in 2024. According to the universities, it has already produced tangible results, including joint research forums and projects, while establishing a strong foundation for deeper cooperation. Growing mutual trust also makes it possible to pursue more ambitious shared goals.

In the next phase, Centria, SAMK and SEAMK will develop a shared strategy and common quality objectives. In the coming years, students will benefit from a broader range of study opportunities, joint degree programmes – with up to 10 planned within the next few years – and new educational offerings. For companies and working life, the cooperation will mean stronger research and development projects and access to a broader network of experts. The universities are also aiming to develop shared systems and service solutions that will enable resources to be directed more effectively towards teaching and regional research and development.

Strengthening the success of Western Finland

Finland’s growth relies heavily on the dynamic regions of the west coast and Western Finland. Centria’s operating region, South Ostrobothnia and Satakunta together form a significant hub for industry, exports, energy, entrepreneurship and expertise. These regions generate a significant share of Finland’s economic growth, and their companies increasingly need skilled labour, research and new solutions to strengthen their competitiveness. The aim is to reinforce the success, expertise, competitiveness and conditions for growth of Western Finland as a whole, while serving students and working life even better.

– Western Finland is one of Finland’s strongest growth regions, and higher education institutions play a key role in this development. By combining our expertise and working together, we can serve students, working life and our regions even better, the Presidents of Centria, SAMK and SEAMK state jointly.

The cooperation will enable the universities to respond more effectively to the needs of students, working life and the regions. With access to the educational offerings of all three universities of applied sciences, students can complement their degrees with studies and specialist expertise that are not available at their home institution. Joint educational initiatives and cross-institutional studies have already been launched, and the cooperation will continue to expand. The universities’ international networks and European higher education partnerships will also open up new opportunities for students, staff and regional companies.

A concrete response to the objectives of the higher education vision

The Western Finland University Alliance provides a concrete operating model for achieving the objectives of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s higher education vision: stronger profiling, cooperation, more impactful research, development and innovation activities, internationalisation, and responding to the changing skills needs of working life.

Western Finland is well placed to remain a driving force for Finland’s growth in the future. The role of the universities is to ensure that the expertise required for growth is available and that companies in the region are able to renew and develop. Cooperation will increase the impact of their activities.

Further information:

Tapio Huttula, Centria University of Applied Sciences, President and CEO
tel. 040 563 7944, tapio.huttula@centria.fi

Jari Multisilta, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, President and CEO
tel. 044 710 3410, jari.multisilta@samk.fi

Jaakko Hallila, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, President and CEO
tel. 040 868 0621, jaakko.hallila@seamk.fi