The challenges of universities of applied sciences in growth regions were discussed with Satonen, Rydman and Ikonen
Arto Satonen, Wille Rydman and Anna-Kaisa Ikonen were visited by a delegation of presidents and vice presidents of the universities of applied sciences in the growth regions. The delegation included the management of 3AMK, Turku, Tampere and Oulu Universities of Applied Sciences. In all the meetings, the common challenges and opportunities of the UAS in the growth regions were discussed.
The meeting with Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman focused on Business Finland funding and RDI funding in general, and the allocation of funding to universities of applied sciences.
With Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Minister of Local and Regional Government, the high number of applicants in growth areas and the possibilities for universities of applied sciences to respond to them were discussed, as well as cooperation with cities.
Minister of Employment Arto Satonen was very interested in international students, entry processes related to international studies and the number of international students.
The future of 3AMK and student concerns as a topic of discussion with Multala
At the beginning of October, the presidents of the 3AMK alliance met Minister of Science and Culture Sari Multala. In the meeting the future of 3AMK after the end of the contract period next year was discussed. No decisions on the follow-up funding of 3AMK were taken at this meeting.
At the time of the meeting, campus takeovers were topical, and with Multala, student well-being and the integration of international students and experts were discussed.
What about the future of adult education allowance?
In addition to the ministers, Minna and her colleagues met in October with Laura Rissanen, State Secretary to Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. They discussed the challenges posed by the planned abolition of adult education allowance and what the future looks like with regard to this type of support.
Meeting ministers and other decision makers, discussing and keeping issues of universities of applied sciences on the agenda is particularly important at a time when the government is still in the early stages of its work. More meetings and visits are planned.
