Our regional impact in Kouvola
For several consecutive years, Xamk has been selected as the best university of applied sciences in Finland. We have an excellent reputation that supports not only our campus cities but also the entire region. Our students are visible in many ways in the cityscape and enliven the atmosphere.
Education, research, and development create success.
Direct vitality impacts
The Kouvola area experiences direct vitality impacts, including Xamk’s employment effect, with a steadily growing number of staff and paid taxes. Additionally, Xamk’s purchases and investments have a significant indirect impact on employment in the Kouvola area and the purchasing power of the employed.
The impact of the university of applied sciences is also assessed based on the attractiveness of degree programs, the employment-promoting effect of education, business-renewing education, and research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities.
Xamk renews the business world
We have close connections with significant employers in Kymenlaakso, and our role as a source of highly educated workforce in the region is undeniable.
Degree programs bring a significant number of new students to Kouvola annually, and many of them remain in the area after graduation. A year after graduation, half of the graduates report their residence as Kymenlaakso.
In 2023, more than 3,800 primary applicants applied to degree programs in Kouvola, with 12% from Xamk’s operating region and 88% from outside.
From the Kouvola campus, 452 new professionals graduated across various fields, with an excellent employment rate. Notably, 70% of the highly educated workforce in Kymenlaakso has graduated from Xamk.
Many graduates from Xamk find employment in Kouvola as Bachelors of Business Administration, public health nurses, designers, and social workers, as well as construction engineers and nurses.
Fields of Study
- Business Administration
- Logistics
- Design and Restoration
- Youth Education
- Game Industry
- Technology
- Health and Rehabilitation
Degree programs
- Bachelor’s programs 13
- Master’s programs 4
- Graduates 452, of which
- Bachelor’s Degrees 351
- Master’s Degrees 101
Applied development with RDI expertise
Xamk’s applied research and development work is the most diverse and extensive among Finnish universities of applied sciences. The research directly addresses the problems and development needs of local businesses and public organizations.
Through its RDI activities, Xamk builds the future success factors for the region and supports the green transition. This collaboration creates jobs, innovations, and new entrepreneurship in the Kouvola area.
We have three research units in Kouvola:
BioSampo – Bio-based and circular economy research centre
Creative Industries – Creative solutions for businesses and communities
Xentre – Business and innovation research and education
Expertise in processing recycled materials
BioSampo refines recycled raw materials into particles suitable for research and production processes, enabling new uses. Developing and utilizing biochar are nationally significant targets alongside advancing renewable energy and energy storage. BioSampo’s activities strengthen the growth of the circular economy innovation ecosystem in Kymenlaakso.
Creative methods and business as the playground
Our Creative Industries research unit, pioneering from Kouvola, enhances future competitiveness and well-being through creativity and interdisciplinarity. The unit serves local businesses and educational communities and addresses urban development challenges. Partners include LUT University, University of Eastern Finland, University of Turku, LAB University of Applied Sciences, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, and the European Network of Living Labs.
Support for entrepreneurship through education and expert services
The changing business environment needs entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking. The Xentre Research and Training Unit for Entrepreneurship and Innovations increases regional vitality by offering expert services, student collaboration, and cooperation and experimentation environments for companies. Promoting growth entrepreneurship and new business ventures is at the core of our operations.
Learn more about our regional impact!
Sources: Vipunen – Education Administration’s Statistics Service and Xamk’s applicant, student, HR, financial, and RDI services
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