Preparatory work for higher education consortium to proceed in phases during 2026–2030

The preparatory work for the joint higher education consortium of the University of Jyväskylä and Jamk University of Applied Sciences will advance in phases. In 2025, ownership arrangements were prepared, and a preliminary implementation plan was drafted. In 2026, the orientation and concept development phases will begin, during which the plans will be further refined in cooperation with staff and students. Implementation will take place through six development programmes between 2026 and 2030, but the building of the consortium will be a continuing process during the coming years.
Published
11.12.2025

Schedule for preparatory work and implementation

The preparation phase, concluding at the end of 2025, has included changes to the ownership arrangements (letter of intent, shareholder agreement, sale), negotiations with the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the drafting of a preliminary implementation plan for the new higher education consortium (Jyväskylä model).

At the beginning of 2026, the orientation phase (January– June 2026) will begin, during which the plan will be further refined in cooperation with staff and the student unions JYY and JAMKO.

At the concept development phase (June–October 2026), a more detailed picture of the transition will be created, and the resources and a more specific timetable for the development projects will be defined. Subsequently, the long-term plan will be further refined through, among other means, the universities’ strategy work and in preparation for contract negotiations with the Ministry of Education and Culture during 2026–2027.

The implementation phase will be carried out according to the phased concept plan through the development programmes, primarily during 2026–2030. There will also be continuous dialogue with staff and students throughout the implementation phase.

Managing

Managing the preparatory work for the higher education consortium

Preparations for the higher education consortium are being led by a strategic steering group of the senior management of JYU and Jamk. In addition, internal steering groups from JYU and Jamk will support the internal coordination and decision-making within the institutions. The transition will be further supported by a coordination group responsible for the operational management of the preparatory work and change communication, as well as for supporting, developing, and maintaining a situational overview.

The coordination group is led by Development Manager Piia Honkanen from Jamk and Development Director Jarkko Pirkkalainen from JYU. Project Manager Anu Kettunen has also been appointed to support the coordination group and the consortium preparations. She will transition into the role gradually, in line with the schedule enabled by her current research projects.

“This is a long-term and complex journey, where it is important to recognise the broader interrelations and impacts of a range of issues,” says Pirkkalainen. “That is why preparing the consortium requires thorough planning from the outset.”

Honkanen emphasises the role of staff in preparing for the change: “It has been really encouraging to see that various parts of the organisation have already begun to look for ways to strengthen cooperation. Field-specific cooperation between the institutions has been carried out for a long time already. This cooperation will now be integrated into the preparations of the higher education consortium.”

Strategic steering group confirms the owners and leaders of the development programmes

The implementation will be carried out through six development programmes. In its meeting on 5 December 2025, the strategic steering group for the preparations of the higher education consortium confirmed the owners and leaders of the development programmes as follows:

Management structure and organisational identity

  • Owners: Rectors Jari Ojala and Vesa Saarikoski
  • Leaders: Director of Legal Affairs Sanna Anttilainen, Director of HR Katja Sorri, Vice Rector Mika Karjalainen, Director of Administration Mikko R. Salminen and Director of School of Technology Petri Lakka

Capable and thriving university community

  • Owners: Rectors Jari Ojala and Vesa Saarikoski
  • Leaders: Directors of HR Katja Sorri and Annukka Akselin
  • Student members from JYY and JAMKO

Internationally attractive, impactful and innovative education

  • Owners: Vice Rectors Marja-Leena Laakso and Minna-Maaria Hiekkataipale
  • Leaders: Director of Student and Academic Services Mari Ikonen, Director for Development of Continuous Learning Jukka Lerkkanen and Education Services Manager Sirpa Tuomi
  • Student members from JYY and JAMKO

Vibrant RDI ecosystem

  • Owners: Vice Rectors Pasi Raiskinmäki and Mika Karjalainen
  • Leaders: Development Director Jarkko Pirkkalainen, Director of Research Services Leena Sivula, R&D Manager Petri Moilanen and Business Service Manager Satu Hypén

Effective and economically sustainable services

  • Owners: Finance and Service Director Päivi Seppä, Vice Rectors Minna-Maaria Hiekkataipale and Mika Karjalainen
  • Leaders: Director of Administration Mikko R. Salminen, Service Manager Tarja Keihäsvuori, Director of Student and Academic Services Mari Ikonen and Development Manager Piia Honkanen

ICT and technologies

  • Owners: Digital Director Ari Hirvonen and ICT Manager Jari Virtanen
  • Leaders: Chief Enterprise Architect Ari Hovila and IT Solutions Architect Juha-Matti Sulander