Strong university-industry collaboration drives Finland’s mobile machine sector forward

Approximately four years ago, the SIX Mobile Work Machines cluster was created at the initiative of companies to bridge the gap between industry and research. Supported by Business Finland, which provided funding for Sandvik under its Leading Company programme, this initiative advances the broader twin transition towards digital technologies and a green economy, hailed as the most significant transformation in the history of mechanical engineering. The electrification of mobile work machines is progressing, and these machines are becoming increasingly intelligent and capable of collecting growing volumes of valuable data.

“As the digital and green transitions will profoundly impact the entire mechanical engineering industry, we realised we need to join forces with academia to tackle these challenges. There are numerous areas where we can collaborate to provide data that benefits all stakeholders,” says Miika Kaski, Sandvik’s Commercialization and Networks Lead.

Harnessing data and expertise

Under the leadership of Professor Matti Vilkko, the Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering Unit at Tampere University has cultivated enduring and increasingly strategic partnerships with leading companies such as Sandvik, Ponsse, Valtra and Kalmar. Vilkko’s in-depth understanding of the industry’s needs and development directions has enabled him to leverage his expertise and connections to benefit the SIX Mobile Work Machines cluster. In recent years, Vilkko has actively expanded the research network and expertise on mobile work machines in collaboration with Business Tampere and other partners.  

In addition to Tampere University, this research network includes Aalto University, LUT University, the University of Oulu, the University of Turku, Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Turku University of Applied Sciences, each bringing unique strengths and specialist knowledge to the partnership. Thanks to the efforts of the Academic Fellows group, which comprises professors from the partner universities, the research expertise, results and key personnel involved in the development of mobile work machines have been consolidated and made easily available to companies. They have also created a directory – described by Vilkko as the “yellow pages for research data” – to help companies access the data and expertise they need to support their development activities. This also benefits researchers by providing greater visibility for their expertise and research achievements.

“It is important for researchers to work with companies to gain insights into their current challenges and how they apply research results. The co-creation of solutions is the most effective way to transfer research knowledge into practice,” says Jarmo Takala, Vice President for Stakeholder Relations and Partnerships at Tampere University.

Takala emphasises that Tampere University is committed to leveraging the full potential of research results and expertise to create a positive impact on society. When companies and researchers come together, both parties gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities their collaboration offers. 

Significant demand for new professionals

The success of the mobile machine sector, like any other, relies on the availability of skilled professionals and the attractiveness of the field. Both now and in the future, Finland needs talented researchers who specialise in the development of mobile work machines within academic settings as well as talented professionals who pursue industry careers within the sector.  

Companies can make careers in the sector more appealing by introducing young people to various career opportunities and pathways, for example, by providing internships for students.

“Internships that count towards degrees can also give us a competitive edge in attracting the best international students to study in Finland. Engineering students who complete internships often end up writing their master’s thesis for the same company and eventually gaining employment there,” Jarmo Takala says.

In 2024, a national pilot project was launched to bring together universities and companies to develop doctoral education practices and train new professionals for industry careers in research, development and innovations. The subsequent allocation of 31 funded positions for doctoral researchers, secured under the leadership of Tampere University and awarded to five universities, marks a significant milestone for this collaboration.

“This is yet another form of collaboration that fosters mutual trust among all stakeholders. It can also open up new funding avenues to sustain the partnerships between industry and academia. For example, we hope to create more large-scale industry consortia to enhance the chances of securing EU funding,” says Vice President Jarmo Takala.

Cutting-edge research fuels indusrty success

The mobile machine sector represents a substantial share of Finland’s exports and holds considerable growth potential, provided that university-industry collaboration continues to expand.

“Given the international competitiveness of research, it is important to meticulously maintain and continually enhance Finland’s research and operational environment,” says Miika Kaski, Sandvik’s Commercialization and Networks Lead.

“Operational models that help to steer industry and research in the same direction are essential. World-leading research paves the way for the continued success of world-leading companies,” Kaski concludes.