The topic was originally reported on Sitra's website on 29.3.2021.
Photo by Anu Paajanen, Sitra.
An interview survey of more than 2 000 companies in early 2021 shows that well over half of them are working with educational institutions to find new talent. The trends that have the strongest impact on business development are job relevance, networking and skills shortages.
Sitra conducted a broad survey to find out what business decision-makers think about skills as a competitive factor, cooperation with educational institutions and which trends have the biggest impact on business development.
Sufficient skills, the ability of companies to anticipate skills needs and to renew skills quickly are prerequisites for successful business everywhere in Finland.
Business decision-makers were also asked how they see different trends affecting business development. According to respondents, the most influential trend is the increasing importance people attach to the meaning of work. The next most cited factors were the growing importance of networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration, and the shortage of skilled labour and talent.
See the results of Sitra's business survey
Cooperation with schools
The most common reasons for working with educational institutions are to find new skills (60%) - especially in the construction sector - and to prepare for future skills needs (57%).
The promotion of regional vitality and the implementation of social responsibility are also cited as important reasons for cooperation with educational institutions. The fourth is the development of own or staff skills.
Susanna Aramo, Head of Business Services in the City of Järvenpää, says that the city's Business and Tourism Services and the Competence and Employment Services are actively cooperating with local vocational schools, both Keuda and Järvenpää Parochial College . This cooperation is constantly being developed to ensure that local businesses benefit in their own business activities from the cooperation with the educational institutions and the services they offer.