The partners behind INCLUDE: Savonia University of Applied Sciences

To help introduce the partners behind INCLUDE, we asked each organisation to reflect on its main role and contribution within the project, what excites them about the collaboration, the key challenges and opportunities in their region, and what they hope to achieve by the end of INCLUDE. These questions help highlight the expertise each partner brings, the regional context they work in, and the shared ambitions that connect the partnership.

We begin with Savonia University of Applied Sciences, a higher education and research institution with strong expertise in sustainability, digital innovation and participatory methods. 

What is your organisation’s main role or contribution within INCLUDE?

Within INCLUDE, Savonia brings valuable experience, methods and networks developed through the InnoGS project into the wider project collaboration.

Savonia supports knowledge sharing across the partnership, helps connect stakeholders to the Community of Practice, and leads the thematic work on digital technologies. Its contribution focuses on turning digital and participatory approaches into practical tools that can support regional development.

What excites you about the INCLUDE project?

For Savonia, one of the most exciting aspects of INCLUDE is the project’s strong focus on giving communities a meaningful role in shaping the future of their regions.

By combining digital innovation, co-creation and transnational cooperation, INCLUDE creates opportunities for partners to learn from one another and develop solutions together. Savonia is particularly interested in how digital tools can make participation more inclusive, engaging and meaningful in regional decision-making, especially for young people and other minority groups.

What are the key challenges or opportunities in your region?

In Savonia’s region, many of the key challenges are linked to the realities of sparsely populated areas, including population decline, limited access to services, and the need to maintain wellbeing, attractiveness and opportunities for young people.

These challenges are closely connected to broader priorities addressed by INCLUDE, such as skills gaps, climate adaptation and the need to strengthen inclusive local development.

What would you like to achieve by the end of INCLUDE?

By the end of the project, Savonia hopes to see a strong and active Community of Practice that continues beyond INCLUDE itself.

The organisation also aims to contribute to practical outcomes, including shared learning, concrete pilots and a joint action plan to support future cooperation. For Savonia, success means that public authorities and communities in its region are better equipped to use digital innovation and co-creation tools to shape more sustainable, resilient and inclusive territories.