Education and training exports have grown into an important business around the world. Numerous international studies have confirmed the high quality of education and training in Finland, providing a strong foundation for exports from this country.
For a number of years JAMK University of Applied Sciences has been collaborating in the fields of training and development with the Kaluga region of Russia, which is located around 100 km southwest of Moscow.
Since the year 2000 over 200 representatives of companies and organisations have taken part in courses organised by the JAMK University of Applied Sciences and its partner organisation FRIDAS Business University, as well as the city of Obninsk in the Kaluga region and the Obninsk corporate incubator.
The courses have largely focused on developing business skills.
A change in the law at the beginning of 2008 makes it possible for polytechnics and universities to sell master's level degrees outside the EU and EEA (European Economic Area). Heikki Pusa, Project Manager at JAMK University of Applied Sciences, says that there is interest in master's level business education in Russia. The JAMK University of Applied Sciences is intending to work with Russian partners to establish a programme in the near future.
"There is a real need for business education in Russia, but preparing an international programme takes time and requires good local partners. In addition, education and training exports outside the eurozone are subject to the normal risks associated with international trade, such as exchange rate fluctuations," Pusa stresses.
One product intended for export is the Supercoach® Entrepreneurial Training concept, which is targeted at people planning to set up a business and directors of start-up companies. The concept involves development of the companies' technology strategy and business skills, as well as increasing their capabilities in the area of international business.
Pusa says that a number of large Russian corporations have been interested in purchasing master's level degrees for their employees direct from the JAMK University of Applied Sciences. He adds that there have already been discussions about courses to develop the skills needed to manage major investment projects.
"We have also been talking to the Russian Ice Hockey Federation about courses on the management of ice hockey arenas and ice hockey teams. What we want to export is the approach we take in Finland and especially in Central Finland," Pusa states. The ice hockey related training is based on specialised courses in sports marketing that are offered at JAMK University of Applied Sciences.
Photo (above): In May 2009 representatives of Russian companies in the Kaluga region visited the Valtra tractor plant. The company visit was part of an Innovation Management course organised for the Russian business people.
Photo (below): Oleg Savchenko, Vice-Rector and Head of the Department of Management and Economics, FRIDAS Business University, took a keen interest in the latest Valtra technology.
words by tommi salo photos by janne nousiainen