Universities and Their Local Partners

Abstract

In the 1990s Finland began to emphasize a ‘new’, expertise-based regional policy driven by local initiatives and networking. An essential part of this approach is the intertwining of the universities and regional development processes, in which a major role is played by such facilities as science parks. At the heart of the regional impact of the University of Joensuu is the research and training carried out in its basic academic units. The greatest regional effect of the university is due to its internationally competitive research and education, as well as to the development of strategic priority areas. The strategic focal points and strengths of the University of Joensuu, the Joensuu Science Park and the North Karelia region of Finland complement one another well. In addition to the university's own departments, a key channel for transferring expertise is the Joensuu Science Park. The park is responsible for technology transfer, training, development measures and networking with other actors in their fields of expertise.