Laurea University of Applied Sciences: Comprehensive Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Laurea University of Applied Sciences, established in 1992, is a prominent higher education institution located in the Uusimaa region of southern Finland. It operates across six campuses in cities including Hyvinkää, Espoo, Lohja, Porvoo, and Vantaa. The university serves approximately 11,000 students and employs around 670 staff members. Laurea offers a diverse range of bachelor's and master's degree programs, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences. In 2024, Laurea achieved the status of a European University as part of the European Union's European Universities initiative.

Mission and Vision

Laurea's mission is to create a sustainable future together with working life, focusing on societal impact and the development of competencies that meet the evolving needs of the labor market. The vision for 2035 is to be an internationally competitive higher education institution with strong relevance to working life.

Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance

Laurea specializes in fields such as business management, social services, health care, hospitality management, and security. Its practical approach to education, grounded in the Learning by Developing (LbD) pedagogical model, ensures that students acquire competencies directly applicable to the workforce. The university's research and development activities are concentrated on areas like coherent security, sustainable social and health care, and the service business, contributing significantly to regional and national development.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Educational Excellence: Enhance the quality and impact of education through innovative teaching methods and curricula that align with industry needs.

• Research and Development: Advance applied research in areas such as security, social services, health care, and service business to address societal challenges.

• Internationalization: Expand global partnerships and opportunities for students and staff to engage in international experiences.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Security Management: Providing comprehensive education and research in security, safety, and risk management.

• Service Business and Circular Economy: Focusing on sustainable business practices and innovative service models.

• Social Services and Health Care: Developing solutions for diverse social and health care needs.

Key Technologies Utilized

Laurea integrates digitalization and technology into its operations, utilizing data analytics, digital platforms for learning, and innovative service design tools to enhance educational delivery and research outcomes.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

The university primarily serves the Uusimaa region, addressing local and regional educational and research needs. Its international collaborations aim to enhance global competitiveness and address global challenges.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Laurea's annual turnover in 2023 was EUR 64 million, with external research, development, and innovation (RDI) funding amounting to EUR 8.3 million.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

As a public institution, Laurea's primary funding sources include the Finnish government and regional municipalities, particularly the cities of Espoo and Vantaa, which are the largest shareholders.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital is utilized to support educational programs, research initiatives, campus development, and internationalization efforts, aligning with Laurea's strategic objectives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Laurea offers a range of bachelor's and master's degree programs, with recent additions such as the Master's degree in Service Innovation and Design and the Master's degree in Global Health and Crisis Management.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As an educational and research institution, Laurea does not engage in clinical trials or product development in the traditional sense. However, it conducts applied research projects in collaboration with industry partners to develop innovative solutions in its areas of specialization.

Target Conditions

Research projects target areas such as security, social services, health care, and service business, aiming to address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for research milestones are project-dependent and vary accordingly.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Laurea employs proprietary digital platforms for learning management and utilizes data analytics tools to enhance educational delivery and research outcomes.

Significant Scientific Methods

The Learning by Developing (LbD) pedagogical model is central to Laurea's educational approach, emphasizing real-life projects and collaboration with industry partners.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, Laurea's integration of digitalization suggests the use of advanced technologies to support learning and research activities.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Jouni Koski: President and CEO, leading Laurea's strategic direction and operations.

• Kimmo Hannonen: Vice-President, Support Services, overseeing administrative and support functions.

• Valdemar Kallunki: Director, Master's Level Degrees Unit, responsible for postgraduate education programs.

• Salla Seppänen: Director, Social and Health Sector Unit, managing programs related to social services and health care.

• Tanja Johansson: Director, Business, Data Processing, and Service Sector Unit, overseeing business and IT-related programs.

• Susanna Rosell: Financial Director, managing financial operations and strategy.

• Katri Ojasalo: Vice-President, Education, responsible for educational quality and development.

• Krista Pahkin: Business Director, focusing on business development and partnerships.

• Tiina Päivärinne: Director, Human Resources, overseeing HR functions and personnel development.

• Mari Vuolteenaho: Vice-President, Research, Development, and Innovation, leading RDI activities.

• Teemu Ylikoski: Director, Digitalization, Marketing, and Communication, managing digital strategies and communications.

• Sonja Ojanen: Secretary, supporting the management team and administrative processes.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Finnish higher education sector is characterized by a mix of public and private institutions offering a range of programs. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) like Laurea play a crucial role in providing practical, industry-oriented education. The sector faces challenges such as declining public funding and the need for internationalization.

Competitor Analysis

• HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences: Located in the Häme region, HAMK offers a wide range of programs and has a strong emphasis on research and development.

• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences: Based in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Metropolia is one of the largest UAS institutions in Finland, offering diverse programs and extensive international collaborations.

• Arcada University of Applied Sciences: Situated in Helsinki, Arcada focuses on applied research and offers programs in fields such as business, health, and technology.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Laurea collaborates with various regional and European partners, including the PIONEER European University Alliance, to enhance international cooperation and promote the strategic development of future cities through