Collaboration with South Savo and Kymen Entrepreneurs Strengthens the Vitality of Southeast Finland

Networking Events Create New Opportunities

Xamk considers cooperation with regional entrepreneur organisations essential. Its strategic goal is to strengthen the vitality and internationalisation of Southeast Finland through close collaboration with working life and partners. Research, development and innovation activities aim to support SME renewal and find solutions to challenges in the data economy, green transition and sustainable well-being. This partnership enables better targeting of opportunities to the regional SME sector.

“Through collaboration with Yrittäjät organisations, we can anticipate future needs and long-term vitality development for SMEs. Our cooperation with both Etelä-Savon and Kymen Yrittäjät has been strong and constructive. It is great that both parties aim to develop and strengthen this further. There is power in our collaboration, and we hope it will reflect and create new opportunities for companies in our region” says Heta Vilén, Xamk’s Stakeholder Manager.

“For entrepreneurs, stakeholder meetings are not just calendar entries – they are opportunities to spark new ideas and build bridges between educational institutions and businesses. For us, open collaboration means mentoring, project planning and steering group work, and above all, ensuring that the voice of entrepreneurs is heard. This brings a practical perspective and guarantees that solutions truly serve companies and the region. A shared dialogue lays the foundation for growth and strengthens the vitality of the province.

We also build cooperation with educational institutions through our vitality pledge. We discuss unified advocacy across South Savo so that together we can influence education and skills development. When goals are shared, the region becomes more attractive and vibrant.

The entrepreneurs’ perspective is an essential part of the partnership – it ensures that development supports everyday business and growth. This is not just collaboration, but a shared journey towards a stronger region” says Heidi Loukiainen, Regional Director of South Savo Entrepreneurs.

Practical Examples Encourage New Members

“The benefits of educational collaboration must be presented to member companies in a clear and understandable way. When businesses see tangible advantages – such as building talent pathways, utilising RDI activities and developing their own skills – cooperation supports growth and renewal,” says Sirpa Kantola-Pakkanen, Regional Director of Kymen Yrittäjät.

Practical examples make opportunities visible and credible. Entrepreneur stories told by the entrepreneurs themselves can encourage new actors to join forces with Xamk.

Development prospects include expanding project cooperation, building digital and green transition competence pathways, and supporting internationalisation. Open UAS Pulse courses offer entrepreneurs practical tools for skills development, strengthening regional vitality and ensuring readiness for future challenges.

Anticipating Future Talent Needs and Supporting Ownership Changes

The ageing and declining population poses challenges for entrepreneurship across Finland, affecting business continuity and talent needs. Many companies face ownership changes. Successful transitions are crucial for regional vitality. Joint projects, educational solutions and talent pathways can help businesses prepare and ensure knowledge transfer proactively.

“In South Savo, as in Kymenlaakso, ageing demographics challenge entrepreneurship. Ownership changes should occur at a massive scale, but they do not. Ideally, the successor is young and settles in the region. Xamk actively participates in these discussions through projects and ownership change forums,” says Loukiainen.

“Low volumes of ownership changes often stem from lack of anticipation. Ideally, the ownership change process should start 5–10 years in advance. If it is not ownership change within the family, the entrepreneur should especially consider whether the business is ready for sale and how to achieve that state. Ownership change usually brings a postive growth leap to the company. It is a broad growth issue, and new expertise can be introduced through, for example, by expanding the ownership base. Timing, proactive response to ownership change needs can ensure more years of success and business growth,” Kantola-Pakkanen explains.

The Role of Yrittäjät in Regional Development

Etelä-Savon and Kymen Yrittäjät are part of Suomen Yrittäjät, the national umbrella organisation. Activities operate at three levels: local associations, regional organisations and national level. Finland has over 300 local associations, nine in Kymenlaakso and 15 in South Savo.

Core tasks include advocacy, strengthening and networking – from legislative dialogue at national level to regional cooperation with municipalities and wellbeing services counties. The organisation supports entrepreneurship through advisory services and promotes its appreciation and significance – for example, by awarding Entrepreneurs of the Year and actively communicating about entrepreneurship. Networking provides opportunities for collaboration and peer support, as well as new business opportunities.

Etelä-Savon Yrittäjät have invested in projects in recent years, adding resources for business support. In autumn 2025, two projects were ongoing and a third planned. Kymen Yrittäjät do not run their own projects but actively participate in others.

Read more about Etelä-Savon Yrittäjät here: Etelä-Savon Yrittäjät – Yrittajat.fi

Read more about Kymen Yrittäjät here: Kymen Yrittäjät – Yrittajat.fi

Explore Xamk’s stakeholder services here: Muut palvelut – Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu (FIN)

Discover Pulse’s continuing education programs here: Personnel training – Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu Xamk