Code from Finland and Haaga-Helia strengthen Finnish programming expertise together

The Code from Finland Association is an organization whose goal is to support and strengthen the Finnish welfare society by promoting software development and sustainable digital business produced in Finland.

The Code from Finland label granted by the association indicates that at least 80% of a company’s value creation takes place in Finland and that the company pays its taxes in Finland. In practice, this means that no more than 20% of the company’s expenses (e.g., subcontracting or salaries) can be allocated abroad.

Future developers and code are developed here

Haaga-Helia educates future programming and IT professionals and works closely with the industry. From the perspective of Janne Kalliola, Chairman of the Board of Code from Finland Association, the partnership is a natural fit:

– Haaga-Helia is a major educator. You educate future software developers who produce Finnish code, so it is naturally benefitial for us to collaborate. The more we can support each other through cooperation, the better outcomes we will achieve for the entire software development sector, Kalliola comments.

– One of your alumni, Sampsa Siitonen, is on our board. That alone shows that you develop professionals who directly support what we do, Kalliola adds.

Collaboration where everyone benefits

The collaboration offers students opportunities to work on real business challenges, participate in research and development projects, build their expertise, and strengthen their readiness for working life. For member companies of Code from Finland Association, the collaboration provides new perspectives, research insights, and connections with students.

– I believe our member companies can benefit from your students’ ability to gather information for them. Students could gain work experience from real projects that benefit both our member companies and your students at the same time. It’s a win-win for everyone, Kalliola explains.

Lecturer Maija-Kerttu Sarvas is responsible for the practical implementation of the collaboration between Code from Finland Association and Haaga-Helia at the student interface, acting as a Partner Manager. According to Sarvas, Code from Finland brings timely and meaningful themes into teaching through webinars and guest lectures.

– The content of lectures and webinars covers both general fundamentals, such as accessibility and new and emerging perspectives, such as green coding, the energy consumption of AI, and cybersecurity, Sarvas explains.

Thanks to their extensive member network, Code from Finland Association has also provided students with opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops covering current topics, as well as support and guidance for career planning.

First steps and future plans of the partnership

The collaboration has begun with concrete actions such as event participation and guest lectures. The goal is to further expand cooperation into project and research collaboration, from which both students and member companies of Code from Finland Association would benefit mutually.

– I held a speech at the WordPress Finland event, and there were many of your student interns present. You have fantastic students, Kalliola adds.

– So far, in this partnership, everything that has been promised has held true, Kalliola concludes.