All universities and business schools are navigating rapid digital transformation, and some are impressively doing so while still trying to create a more sustainable future.

In Finland’s energy capital of Vaasa, the University of Vaasa is pioneering this movement by connecting research with industry to deliver meaningful impact which will last. I sat down with Minna Martikainen, the Rector of the University of Vaasa, to discuss what “research with impact” looks like in practice, how the university is preparing for the AI era, and what the next decade holds for this forward-looking institution. Here’s what she had to say:

At the University of Vaasa, you speak about generating ‘research with impact’. What does ‘impact’ mean for you, and what does it look like?

For me, impact means that our research and education are genuinely connected to the needs of business and society. Impactful research means that our research is integrated to businesses and used to make better solutions for companies, societies and individuals, as effectively as possible, and with no delays. At the University of Vaasa, we bridge science with business and society and translate research rapidly into practice.

Our CoDoc doctoral model, which connects doctoral research with industry needs, and our joint laboratories with companies are good examples of this. Impact also means high-quality, multidisciplinary research that has both scientific and societal relevance. It can be seen in new technologies, knowledge-based decision-making, and more sustainable ways of doing business – and it is strengthened through active science communication.

As AI continues to impact and reshape countless industries, how is [the University of] Vaasa preparing itself and its students to thrive in this new era?

The University of Vaasa is increasing its capabilities for understanding, implementing and using AI by comprehensive training of faculty and to students. UVA has recruited more of its own faculty specialised in AI, and for instance, signed a strategic agreement with Microsoft. This strategic partnership is to help us faster to become a forerunner in digitalisation and use of AI.

We are educating our students to be future professionals in a global world and a working life with various challenges. The use, including ethics, of AI is embedded in orientation studies for all students. We have also specific programmes, e.g. Master’s programme in ArtificiaI Intelligence and Data Engineering. Furthermore, we are currently designing a new master’s programme which combines finance, accounting and AI.

The University of Vaasa is enhancing its administrational operations by digitalisation and AI, developing AI to be incorporated as an efficient part of both research and education contents and supporting structures. In order to enable all of this, one main strategic development programmes UVA has is concentrated in AI and Digitalisation. The other ones are Strategic programmes in Research, Education, Internationalisation, Employer Experience, Impact and Engagement.

Universities in Finland are also jointly developing strategic capabilities and practices for understanding and utilizing AI in research and education, together with CSC Finland – IT Center for Science.

One of [the University of] Vaasa’s core values is cooperation. In a time marked by global uncertainty and friction, how is [the University of] Vaasa strengthening international partnerships and academic collaboration?

Strong international connections between universities can spark collaboration but also foster comprehensive security and resilience of our societies. The University of Vaasa’s internationalisation efforts are rooted in high-impact research and strong partnerships, especially in energy and sustainability.

Located in the heart of Northern Europe’s largest energy and environment cluster, we aim to contribute to climate action and energy transition through international collaboration. We cooperate with around 200 universities in 50 countries, and we seek to build a portfolio of high-quality, accredited partners that share our mission.

In the times of global uncertainties, we grow with our international impact increasingly through our international designated networks and accreditations like EFMD, AACSB, GBSN, HERMES, and ASIIN. This is absolutely the way to nourish academia.

What is [the University of] Vaasa’s primary focus right now?

Our focus right now is on strengthening our position as an international and multidisciplinary research university with strong impact. Our university focuses particularly on research that combines business, societal transformation and the clean energy transition.

We are also developing our doctoral education to combine the high level academic excellence with practical relevance. At the same time we are growing as a university community. We aim to increase the number of students and, by doing so, raise the share of highly educated people in our region. We also want to attract more international students and researchers and help them build their future careers in Finland.

Where do you hope to see [the University of] Vaasa in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see the University of Vaasa as an internationally recognised research university focused on sustainable business, energy and society. In our strategic areas – the energy transition, business renewal and societal transformation – we will be known for high-quality, multidisciplinary research with a significant impact and for close collaboration with industry and society.

Our university is located in the Nordic region’s leading energy technology hub, and we will play an active role in advancing the clean energy transition and promoting sustainable renewal in business and society. In education, we will offer high-quality, research-based learning. We aim to be an attractive choice for international students and researchers, and by 2030 our community will have grown to around 10,000 students, one third of them from abroad, with most international graduates continuing their careers in Finland.

For additional insights, announcements, and perspectives, visit the conversation on business school leadership.