Diaconia University of Applied Sciences: Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) is a Finnish higher education institution specializing in social work, health care, diaconal work, and interpreting. Established in 1996, Diak operates campuses in Helsinki, Oulu, Pori, Pieksämäki, and Turku, serving approximately 3,700 students and employing around 250 staff members.

Mission and Vision

Diak's mission is to prepare students for national and international roles in social and pastoral work, focusing on assisting individuals facing inequality, poverty, loneliness, and social exclusion. The university aims to build a more equitable world through education and research. Its vision for 2026 is to offer the highest quality education and research in its fields in Finland, becoming a thought leader in Finnish higher education in health and social services.

Industry Significance

As Finland's largest provider of university-level education in social work, Diak plays a pivotal role in training professionals for social and health services, diaconal work, and interpreting. Its unique focus on these areas distinguishes it from other Finnish universities of applied sciences.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Diak's strategic objectives for 2025–2028 include:

• Equality and Unity: Enhancing equal access to education and ensuring students graduate within the expected time frame.

• Socially Sustainable Society: Reducing social inequality and promoting well-being through research and development activities.

• Impactful Competence: Improving occupational well-being and productivity through education and research.

Areas of Specialization

Diak specializes in:

• Social Work: Training professionals to address social challenges.

• Health Care: Educating healthcare providers with a focus on social sustainability.

• Diaconal Work: Preparing individuals for roles within the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland.

• Interpreting: Offering education in public service interpreting.

Key Technologies Utilized

Diak employs blended learning models, integrating digital tools and online platforms to provide flexible education. The university also engages in research and development activities focusing on social innovations and impactful welfare services.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

Diak primarily targets the Finnish education market, focusing on students interested in social and health services, diaconal work, and interpreting. The university also engages in international collaborations to address global social challenges.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Diak is a privately owned university of applied sciences, with main shareholders including church foundations and institutions. The university receives public funding from the Finnish government, supplemented by private investments from its owners.

Total Funds Raised

Specific details regarding the total funds raised by Diak are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Information about recent funding rounds is not publicly available.

Notable Investors

The primary investors in Diak are church foundations and institutions, including:

• Kirkkopalvelut Ry

• Helsinki Deaconess Institute Foundation

• Länsi-Suomen Diakonialaitoksen säätiö

• Kirkon keskusrahasto

• Oulun Diakonissalaitoksen säätiö

• Helsingin Evankelisen Opiston säätiö

• Suomen Raamattuopiston säätiö

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital is utilized to support Diak's educational programs, research and development activities, campus operations, and international collaborations.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Diak's pipeline focuses on developing educational programs and research initiatives in social work, health care, diaconal work, and interpreting. The university also engages in social innovation projects, such as the Zekki digital service, which promotes young people's well-being and access to social services.

Stages of Development

Educational programs are continually updated to meet industry standards and societal needs. Research projects progress through various stages, from initial concept to implementation and evaluation.

Target Conditions

The university's initiatives aim to address social inequality, promote well-being, and enhance social sustainability.

Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for anticipated milestones are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Diak utilizes proprietary digital platforms for blended learning, integrating online and in-person education to provide flexible learning experiences.

Significant Scientific Methods

The university employs design-led approaches in its research and development activities, focusing on co-creating societal innovations and services. DiakHub is an RDI concept responding to complex social problems within a quadruple-helix framework.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Diak is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in its services, such as piloting AI to formulate recommendations for users of the Zekki digital service.

Leadership Team

Executive Group

• CEO-Rector: Kati Komulainen (as of August 1, 2025)

• Director of Education, Vice Rector: Sanna Wesanko

• Director of Strategy and Impact: Anna-Maija Ohlsson

• Director of Service Business: Nina Antipin

• Director of Human Resources: Päivikki Rentola-Hemmi

• Director of Finance and Administration: Anna-Kaisa Kiiski

• Head of Communications and Marketing: Aura Vuorenrinne

Board of Directors

• Chair of the Board: Hannu Harri

• Vice-chair: Secretary, Education and Social Policy Terhi Peltokorpi, Centre Party Parliamentary Group

• CEO: Heikki Arikka, Diakon Palvelut

• Specialist: Heidi Grundström, Diaconia UAS

• Director: Olli Holmström, Helsinki Deaconess Institute Foundation

• CEO: Mikko Lapola, Oulun Diakonissalaitoksen säätiö

• Church Councillor: Petri Määttä, National Church Council

• MP: Paula Risikko, The Finnish Parliament

• Student Representative: Rasmus Teperi, Diaconia UAS

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Finnish higher education market is characterized by a diverse range of institutions offering programs in social work, health care, and related fields. Diak's unique focus on diaconal work and interpreting distinguishes it from other universities of applied sciences in Finland.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Laurea University of Applied Sciences: Offers programs in social services, nursing, and business.

• Savonia University of Applied Sciences: Provides education in social services, health care, and business.

• Satakunta University of Applied Sciences: Focuses on social services, health care, and technology.

These institutions offer similar programs but do not have Diak's specific emphasis on diaconal work and interpreting.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Diak collaborates with various organizations, including the Centre of Expertise for Social Enterprises in Finland, to promote social innovation and support social enterprises.

Operational Insights

Diak's focus on social sustainability and its unique educational offerings provide a competitive advantage in addressing societal challenges through education and research.