Municipal Elections 2025
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) is a societal actor that takes responsibility for the development of its region. Our goal is to strengthen the attractiveness and retention of Southeast Finland.
Stronger Campus City through cooperation
Our themes for the upcoming elections
Xamk as a regional Development Partner.
The integration of young people and highly skilled professionals.
Strenghtening the Campus Cities.
Xamk as a regional Development Partner
- We support local businesses on their road to success, foster new entrepreneurship, and address regional challenges. However, we cannot do this alone—our partners must also commit to contributing to our shared efforts.
- Xamk educates highly skilled professionals to meet the needs of the region’s business and industry. It is essential to improve the retention of this workforce within the region and its university cities.
- International students represent a significant opportunity to enhance the vitality of Southeast Finland—provided we make them feel welcome and help them settle in the region.
The integration of young people and highly skilled professionals
- As many as 73% of applicants who choose Xamk as their primary option come from outside the region—there is clear potential for net migration gains. We need to strenghten the regional vitality and help graduates to find job and settle down into the region.
- Early interaction between employers and students through internships and company presentations, increases the likelihood that students will stay and work in the region immediately after graduation.
- Enhancing students’ quality of life in the city strengthens their willingness to settle down and work in the region after their graduation. Services available in English, for instance, play a crucial role in helping international professionals settle in the area.
Strenghtening the Campus Cities
- Campus cities must strengthen their identity as University Cities. By building a reputation and image as attractive and student-friendly destinations, they can encourage more students to apply and relocate to the region.
- Sufficient and Diverse Housing Supply: Xamk students require a variety of housing options. The needs of international students, for example, often differ from those of Finnish students, with a greater emphasis on communal living and family-friendly accommodations.
- Efficient Transportation Connections: for campus cities to attract students from outside the region, well-functioning public transport and strong transportation links are essential
Xamk proposes…
1.
Municipalities and Wellbeing Services Counties will collaborate with Xamk to develop a joint strategy and action plan to attract education- and work-based immigration to the region.
2.
Municipalities must ensure that housing is built according to demand. Zoning plans should prioritize the construction of student housing. Student apartments should also be planned near university campuses and within easy access to public transportation.
3.
The Municipal Service Network that supports employment and integration is the best way to encourage international students to stay in the region after graduation. Municipalities must commit to developing their services to help international students settle in the area.