Provincial University of Lapland: Collaborating for Regional Development

In 2002, four Finnish higher education institutions established a consortium called the Provincial University of Lapland with the purpose of supporting the development of the region, widening access to higher education, increasing collaboration between educational institutions and fostering innovation. The consortium provides degree and non-degree education. The provincial University of Lapland reaches out to the province’s remote communities through a combination of traditional education and distance learning. It takes advantage of already existing facilities in the four of Lapland’s six sub-regions. The Provincial University has a broad portfolio that includes open education, professional development courses, expert and R&D services, as well as estimation and evaluation services. Provision of services is based on regional needs that focus on upgrading the tourism industry. Learning and development needs have been mapped in each of the four sub-regions in collaboration with a wide range of public and private stakeholders. The higher education institutions are engaged in strategy development and implementation at the regional and sub-regional levels.