HAMK trains Finland’s first comprehensive security specialists

Häme University of Applied Sciences has launched Finland’s first programme in comprehensive security technology, Yle reports. The 18-month course aims to help address the shortage of expertise in the defence industry.

The programme has enrolled 20 engineers and master’s-level engineers from companies and the Finnish Defence Forces. All have substantial professional experience and want to deepen their knowledge of security technology.

The war in Ukraine has shown that technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are shaping modern warfare. Finland urgently needs experts who understand these technologies.

Lauri Autio from Hyvinkää and Petri Järvinen from Tervakoski are among the first students to begin the new programme in comprehensive security technology solutions at the Häme University of Applied Sciences.

“Geographical borders are not an obstacle in cybersecurity. Continuous development is needed in both the civilian and national defence sectors,” said Autio, who provides cybersecurity and preparedness services through his company.

Warfare is changing

Jyri Kosola, a retired engineer colonel and former research director at the Finnish Defence Forces, told students at the programme’s opening that warfare is moving from a third wave to a fourth. In this transition, artificial intelligence and machines are taking a stronger role.

According to Kosola, the world is moving away from expensive systems such as fighter jets and armoured vehicles towards the drone era.

“In the new, fourth wave of warfare, what matters is not the performance of a single system but the capability of large swarms of cheap drones,” Kosola said.

He said the logic of war had changed and expertise was now needed beyond the military.

“The spread of war across all areas means that the capabilities and methods for defence must also be found outside the Defence Forces. Degree-level education is extremely important to society,” Kosola said.

Artificial intelligence can model drone routes

Järvinen listened closely to Kosola’s presentation. His employer has worked with the defence sector for decades.

“I might want to specialise in artificial intelligence-based modelling of drone flight paths and using that to build situational awareness. Target recognition and targeting are also of interest to me,” Järvinen said.

The programme covers future technology trends, artificial intelligence solutions and dual-use technologies, meaning products and innovations that can be used in both civilian and defence applications.

Students challenge their teachers

Mika Tammilehto, a principal research lecturer at the Häme University of Applied Sciences, said he was impressed by the students’ level of expertise.

“We have highly skilled experts from a wide range of fields. They also challenge us teachers,” Tammilehto said.

He stressed that comprehensive security was a much broader concept than defence alone. It also involved critical functions of society, including education, social and health services, and logistics.

“Everything must also function during exceptional circumstances,” Tammilehto said.

Hanna Mattinen, a lecturer in business studies, is teaching the students solution selling. She said Finnish engineers urgently needed stronger sales skills.

“Finland produces excellent innovations and technological solutions, but more leverage is needed in sales expertise. We must be bold and move into international markets on a large scale,” Mattinen said.

Programme aims to create new business

The programme is the first of its kind in Finland. Lassi Martikainen, director of the business, design and engineering unit at the Häme University of Applied Sciences, said the studies had been designed together with defence companies, other higher education institutions and representatives of the Finnish Defence Forces.

“Companies are demanding expertise related to the defence industry, security of supply and comprehensive security. We aim to fill an expertise gap that could also create business opportunities,” Martikainen said.

The programme is intended to generate new business activity.