UNINOVIS review 2025: European alliance for higher education institutions strengthened TAMK's international standing and expertise

Comprising of eight European higher education institutions, the UNINOVIS alliance significantly strengthens TAMK's international standing, expertise and partner networks. During the first year of operation, we focused on networking and mobility between partners, developing shared operating models and conducting surveys to assess the current situation. New initiatives emerged in both RDI and education cooperation.

The UNINOVIS alliance of European higher education institutions launched its operations in January 2025. In addition to TAMK, the alliance was joined by Kauno Kolegija (KK) from Lithuania, the University of Málaga (UMA) from Spain, Sorbonne Paris North University (USPN) from France, the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (UDCLV) from Italy, the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg‑Schweinfurt (THWS) from Germany and the University of Tirana (UT) from Albania. Later in November, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) joined the alliance as its eighth full member.

The first year of operation was for networking and establishing models for cooperation. Towards the end of the year, operations stabilised and the alliance's profile grew, which began to yield results in international mobility, pedagogical development, project applications and European partnerships.

High level of international mobility

International mobility was one of the most visible success stories from the past year. TAMK contributed a total of 61 persons to UNINOVIS partner exchanges, 15 students and 48 members of personnel. TAMK, in turn, received 41 staff members and 41 students on exchange. Towards the end of the year, we organised a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) week focused on cybersecurity, attended by over 30 students.

Running alongside the BIP week, the UNINOVIS Staff Development Week took place, attended by approximately twenty teachers and other staff members from five countries. Together, the participants learned about developing RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) activities and teaching models designed for international implementation. The week strengthened TAMK's role as a competent developer and pioneer. A similar event will be organised again in 2026.

Joint studies and projects

The development of a joint study offering moved forward. We mapped out joint degrees, micro studies and modules related to digital competence with our partner schools. At TAMK, we conducted a review in collaboration with heads of degrees programmes and actors in continuous learning. Promoting international mobility, the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) and BIP learning models sparked major interest, and several fields of study took part in their design.

We launched several trials on the digital and green transition themes, including student-led AI tutoring and student projects related to sustainable development. Survey on improving data expertise and ESG assessments brought support for the development of studies and working life cooperation. We started designing a digital platform that supports learning, administration and communications. It will be available to all partners during 2026.

We prepared numerous project applications with partners. Two Erasmus+-Co-operation Partnership projects we applied for with the alliance received a positive funding decision. TAMK was active in planning new cooperation projects in the health care and social services and technology sectors in particular.

UNINOVIS visible on campus, at events and in communications channels

Launched on the main campus, the UNINOVIS Station provides a meeting spot, a workspace and a window for discovering what the alliance does. Having first introduced the space to our personnel in the February 2026 TAMK conference, we opened it to the general public.

The UNINOVIS alliance increased its visibility and strengthened its communications. Representing the faculties, UNINOVIS ambassadors started their work in the spring, and we organised mutual meetings regularly throughout the year. The alliance had its social media channels and visual image refreshed, and the TAMK International Blog posted about this on several occasions. We presented the alliance’s activities during the ‘TAMK day’ and at the Subcontracting Fair in the autumn. TAMK actively participated in cooperation with other Finnish alliance partners and in shared events.

UNINOVIS boosted TAMK’s strategic goals in 2025. TAMK became even more involved in the European higher education ecosystem and received new resources, partnerships and operating models which will support its growth in the coming years as well.