Strategic ambitions of external RDI funding in Finnish universities of applied sciences

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the strategic external funding goals and plans of action of Finnish universities of applied sciences (UASs) as articulated in their institutional strategies using the ecology-of-games metaphor. UASs are pressured to expand external funding sources compared to their previous student number-based funding history. The UASs’ institutional strategies reveal the objectives and actions to acquire external RDI (research, development and innovation) funding and potential externalities. UASs underscore cooperation, partnerships and expanding RDI and institutional images. Few UASs set goals for specific funding sources; instead, UASs’ strategies demonstrate commitment to their public RDI mission. UASs’ unique internal features are not prominently reflected in external funding goals and plans of actions. This study suggests that UASs’ strategies significantly align with the government’s core funding formula and implemented public funding cuts. Global pressures and increased performance competition have even led to new ownership structures, where traditional universities primarily own UASs in five cases. This introduces a new dynamic to Finnish universities and UASs, with implications for both sectors. This study’s main contribution is its conceptualisation of multiple strategic external funding goals and plans of action in Finnish UASs’ governance and funding contexts.