AI as a driving force in the RDI and Education activities in Universities of Applied Sciences

Through expert lectures and inspiring examples from pioneering RDI practitioners in higher education, the program aimed to enhance understanding of the changes and opportunities brought by AI. In group discussions, the rectors envisioned how AI could act as a catalyst for innovation capability, positioning UAS as local and national players driving Finland to the forefront of international development.

AI and related public discourse evolved rapidly throughout the year, and the program significantly increased the collective understanding within UAS institutions. Early in the year, discussions focused particularly on the use of AI tools by students and staff, as well as changes in teaching practices. The fast development of language models sparked debate, but the program emphasized recognizing opportunities — especially in encouraging students, teachers, and RDI actors to experiment with AI. Arene’s AI recommendations (in Finnish) were updated to emphasize teaching situations where AI usage is required. These recommendations have also gained international attention as a benchmark.

UAS as international AI partners

The program’s closing seminar was held on November 21, 2024, hosted by Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. The shared goal that emerged was that “UAS is an attractive international partners and experts in AI development.” Participants quickly devised measures to help UASes collaboratively achieve success, including:

• Individualized Study Paths: Developing an AI-based system that aligns student aspirations, national and European learning opportunities and internal data within UAS institutions. This will help students build study paths that meet the changing needs of working life.
• Agile Curricula: Creating an AI-driven, continuously updated knowledge base for curricula. This will support the development of course content, career tracking, and best practices.
• RDI AI Network: Establishing a network of experts to strengthen the role of AI in RDI activities.
• Data on SMEs’ AI Plans: Collecting qualitative data on small and medium-sized enterprises’ future plans and creating a dataset with an AI-based interface.
• Support for SMEs: Leveraging the expertise of UAS institutions and their students to help SMEs initiate AI projects and integrate AI into their business operations.
• Ethical AI: Alongside the development of artificial intelligence, ethics and democracy are raised, ensuring that solutions are humane and socially sustainable.

UASes develop SMEs’ key competencies

AI based innovations are emerging across various sectors, such as healthcare, software-driven vehicles, and sports data analytics. UAS institutions play a key role in bridging and scaling these competencies and successes across new industries, businesses, and applications.

The training program particularly highlighted the role of UASes in initiating AI development among Finland’s 20,000 SMEs. Rector Salla Huttunen of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences aptly compared the situation to trotting racing: companies are still circling in the volt and waiting for the command to start, while the collaboration and support of UAS institutions promise dynamic breakthroughs. Although some may stumble at the start or break into a prolonged gallop, the direction is clear: Finland aims for a global leadership position in the responsible utilization of AI.

Authors:

Hanna-Mari Puuska, Director, CSC
Aleksi Kallio, Development Manager, CSC
Antti Mäki, Development Manager, CSC