Nordic research co-operation in focus

With the digital society as a framework for Arcada's research, development and innovation (RDI) activities, Nordic co-operation has been a driving force over the past year.

International collaborations are today a fundamental part of most higher education institutions’ activities. For Arcada, Nordic co-operation is a way to work with global issues while maintaining local relevance.

“Nordic co-operation within a research project makes the research results more relevant and useful throughout the Nordic region, not just in a single country. Even though we have similar views on research and education in the Nordic region, we still contribute with our unique perspectives, which raises the quality of the research”, says Niklas Eriksson, principal lecturer in digital marketing, and leader of DigiMatNorden, a project focusing on digitisation of retail.

Digital shopping carts 

The researchers in the DigiMatNorden project have taken a closer look at how consumer behaviour is changing in connection with online grocery shopping in the Nordic region, how robotics are being introduced and used in grocery stores, and what challenges arise from a growing dependence on online shopping.

“Together with researchers at the Kristiania University College in Norway, we have looked at digital shopping carts and how they can potentially influence healthier customer decisions in the grocery store”, says Eriksson, who is pleased with the collaboration. “Project collaboration in general often means better opportunities for funding, and it is also nice to work with cheerful Nordic people", he adds.

Important data on cerebral palsy

In 2024, a Nordic initiative was launched within the project CP - North – Living life with cerebral palsy in the Nordic countries, to collect data on hip and scoliosis surgeries and mortality in cerebral palsy. National registries in Finland, Sweden and Norway were also used to compare treatment practices in the different countries.

Researchers at Arcada and Lund University also co-created the Disability Day event, where students, professionals and other interested persons in the field of disability were enlightened with the latest research.

“The broad research we do in the field of disability within our Nordic co-operation was highlighted during the event. People with disabilities also attended and presented the challenges they face in our society. The collaboration has been very fruitful," says Ira Jeglinsky-Kankainen, principal lecturer in rehabilitation, and coordinator of the Finnish part of the CP-North research programme.

Research collaboration within the Nordic region is an important dimension of Arcada’s activities. In 2024, both significant new project collaborations have been initiated, and long-standing collaborations have expanded to new dimensions. Through the individual projects in combination with strategic partners and affiliated researchers in the Nordic region, Arcada has a rich and varied interaction across the Nordic region.

Nordic affiliated professors

  • Anne Söderlund, Professor in Physiotherapy, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University (Sweden)
  • Nathalie Hyde-Clarke, Professor in Media and Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, OsloMet - Metropolitan University (Norway)

Nordic strategic partnerships 

  • Mälardalen University (Sweden)
  • Kristiania University College (Norway)

These partnerships promote both joint research projects and education programmes.

The RDI year 2024 in figures

  • Number of publications: 217, of which 79 through international cooperation
  • External RDI funding: 2 million euros
  • Number of researchers: 127