Engineers’ union seeks to buy three universities of applied sciences, warns of risks in university ownership

The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland has announced plans to purchase three universities of applied sciences in eastern Finland, citing concerns over potential risks if universities take ownership instead, Yle reports.

The union is preparing bids for Karelian, Savonia, and Kajaanin universities of applied sciences. The University of Eastern Finland has also expressed interest in acquiring these institutions.

Samu Salo, chair of the Union of Professional Engineers, warned that university ownership could divert research, development, and innovation funding toward universities. He emphasised the importance of work-life-oriented higher education degrees and argued that universities of applied sciences are better positioned to support regional development than universities.

The union is demanding that municipalities organise an open tender process for the universities of applied sciences.