How One Finnish University Started Modelling the Impact of Its Applied Research

NOTE: We're sharing this story idea as a media release because we believe that impact modelling is of growing significance - and that some universities in Finland, including ours, are breaking new ground in this area.

In Finland, Universities of Applied Sciences are increasingly focused on defining and showcasing their impact on society and their stakeholders. One such institution taking strides in this direction is the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk, which has developed a model to systematically manage and demonstrate the impact of its Research, Development and Innovation activities.

With 246 RDI projects in 2022, representing 30.2 million euros in direct RDI expenditure by Xamk and 18.6 million euros in external funding, including 12.6 euros in EU funding, Xamk is the largest among its Finnish peers in terms of RDI activities.

To manage and demonstrate the impact of its Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) activities more systematically, in late 2019, the university started developing its RDI impact model to guide its project planning and implementation.

The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture has not required that UASs put an impact model in place. “But you can read between the lines that it is appreciated,” said Hanna Kuninkaanniemi, Xamk’s Head of Research Development and responsible for developing the RDI impact model.

She went on to say: “For us, the initiative springs from our own awareness that we need to demonstrate our impact in order to engage research partners and to secure funding. (...) The bigger picture is that we need to do the right things to enhance well-being and competitiveness in our regions.”

Photo caption: Re-inventing concrete at one of Xamk's research units.

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READ A FULL ACCOUNT OF XAMK'S RDI IMPACT MODEL AT https://www.xamk.fi/en/bulletins/how-one-finnish-university-started-modelling-the-impact-of-its-applied-research/

Visit our Impact page at https://www.xamk.fi/en/impact/ for more background and case articles.

To follow up on the topic of impact modelling, or if you have any other questions regarding our RDI activities, the education we provide or our services for companies, do not hesitate to get in touch via our Media Enquiries page at https://xamk.fi/en/media-enquiries/.