RDI activities review 2025: Bolstering our impact – TAMK’s updated and evolving RDI activities
The goal is not only to grow the volume of our RDI activities but also to increase our impact regionally, nationally and internationally. During the year, we prepared and launched several development activities that establish a solid foundation for the growth.
Most essentially, we updated the operating model for our RDI activities. In 2025, we prepared the transition from a centralised model to a more distributed practice where the performance accountability for RDI activities is transferred to faculties, starting in 2026. This change clarifies the areas of responsibility and affirms the faculties’ role in implementing RDI activities. Current and upcoming RDI projects were transferred to faculties, increasing their financial responsibility and providing more opportunities to develop their activities based on their own strengths. At the same time, the Applied Research Center was closed, and principal lecturers were transferred to faculties to continue their RDI-focused work. Also, TAMK’s RDI unit now has a clarified role as an RDI service unit that focuses on supporting RDI activities.
Cooperation in the Tampere HEI community grew even closer as the year progressed. Shared operating models were developed especially for partnerships and in RDI support services, and the cooperation will be further bolstered in the coming years. The shared strengths of the university corporate group provide a solid foundation for increasing the impact of RDI activities.
We identified our areas of strengths and launched research groups
Expanding RDI activities also requires a clear focus. In 2025, we analysed the strengths of TAMK’s RDI activities based on projects and publications. As a result of the analysis, five larger clusters were identified that together form TAMK’s key areas of strength. These areas support the strategic orientation of RDI activities and boost TAMK’s profile as an impactful actor in applied research.
During the year, we also launched research group activities to support the growth and impact of RDI activities. Through an application process, seven research groups were established at TAMK, tasked with developing RDI activities and providing a boost to the faculties. The groups advance applied research in close cooperation with working life and TAMK partners. Examples of the new research groups include Applied CleanTech (ACT) and Predictive, Preventive, Personalised and Participatory Health (PRECISE).
With these reforms, the structures and direction of TAMK’s RDI activities became clearer. The work conducted during the year creates a strong foundation for increasing RDI volume as well as the impact of the RDI activities in the coming years.
RDI highlights of the year 2025
