Oamk Accelerates AI Utilization – New Projects Supporting Companies and Society

Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) has launched three significant AI-focused research, development, and innovation projects. These initiatives aim to support companies and society in leveraging the opportunities offered by AI, particularly in improving workplace well-being and productivity, enhancing digital business skills, and increasing AI readiness in micro and SME companies.

The rapid development of AI has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries. AI can improve productivity, streamline processes, and open new business opportunities, but leveraging it requires new skills and readiness for change.

“The role of applied universities is to support society and especially businesses in seizing the opportunities of the AI revolution and using it to develop their operations. AI is certainly one of the key solutions to Finland’s productivity challenges,” says Mika Määttä, Team Manager of Business Development and Entrepreneurship at Oamk.

The Well-being AI: Workplace Well-being and Productivity in the Era of AI project, launched in October 2024, seeks to improve workplace well-being and productivity in the service sector’s micro and SME companies using AI. The project, managed by the University of Lapland, involves three universities and three universities of applied sciences. Turku University leads the AI expertise within the consortium.

“AI utilization and its applications vary widely among micro and SMEs in the service sector. Co-creation tailored to the strengths of each company and its employees is the project’s cornerstone,” explains Liisa Kiviniemi, an expert in workplace well-being.

The project will develop a nationwide, interactive service toolkit, including practical innovations, insights, workshop outputs, and other resources for companies. Funded by the ESR program, the project will continue until September 2027.

The Developing Digital Business Skills and Knowledge in the Era of AI (Digitaili) project, launched in November 2023, aims to strengthen the digital competitiveness of Northern Ostrobothnia’s companies. Its primary goals include enhancing digital business and e-commerce skills and improving micro and SMEs’ readiness to utilize AI. The project also supports educational institutions by training teachers to use AI applications in teaching, equipping the future workforce with the necessary skills for a rapidly evolving work environment.

“AI’s impact spans all industries, and those who learn to harness its potential early can gain a significant competitive edge,” says project expert Veera Mahlakaarto.

She adds:
“Continuous learning and adaptability are among the most critical attributes for individuals preparing for the changes AI will bring to the workplace, both now and in the future. Keeping skills up to date with evolving job requirements is essential—participating in workshops and training like those offered by the Digitaili project is a great way to learn how to use AI tools.”

The Productivity with Artificial Intelligence (TETU) project, launched in August 2024, focuses on developing AI capabilities in Northern Ostrobothnia’s micro and SMEs. It aims to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and adaptability by providing open training, workshops, and testing environments.

“AI offers companies tremendous opportunities to optimize internal processes and improve customer experiences and products. In the future, AI will be a critical technology driving innovation and productivity growth. However, studies show that the potential of AI has not yet been widely utilized among micro and SMEs in Northern Ostrobothnia. This project addresses this need by providing research-based information and support for experimenting with and applying AI solutions,” says project manager Piritta Keränen.

The total funding for these projects at Oamk is nearly €1 million, and several additional AI-related projects are in the pipeline.

“Given the rapid development of AI and its significant opportunities for advancement, I believe Oamk will have extensive research and development activities in this field in the coming years,” concludes Määttä.

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• Mika Määttä, Team Manager, Oulu University of Applied Sciences
  Tel. +358 294 489 708, mika.maatta@oamk.fi
• Liisa Kiviniemi, Specialist, Senior Lecturer, Oulu University of Applied Sciences
  Tel. +358 294 489 649, liisa.kiviniemi@oamk.fi
• Piritta Keränen, Project Manager, Oulu University of Applied Sciences
  Tel. +358 294 489 028, piritta.keranen@oamk.fi
• Veera Mahlakaarto, Project Specialist, Oulu University of Applied Sciences
  Tel. +358 294 489 289, veera.mahlakaarto@oamk.fi

Well-being AI: Workplace well-being and productivity in the era of artificial intelligence in service sector companies

Developing digital business skills and knowledge in the era of artificial intelligence (Digitaili)

Productivity with artificial intelligence – Tekoälyllä tuottavuutta (Tetu)