Impact-oriented management steering universities of applied sciences in a new direction
Published : 17.09.2026 / Partnerships
The 4Q project explores how higher education institutions can better measure and strengthen their societal impact. The initiative is carried out by Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak), Humak University of Applied Sciences (Humak) and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK).
The 4Q network is developing a model for a new approach to higher education leadership. The project examines how universities of applied sciences could place greater emphasis on real-world impact and long-term societal value, rather than focusing primarily on performance indicators such as the number of degrees awarded.
The aim is to create a shared impact management model for the 4Q universities of applied sciences, one that can be integrated into their leadership and management systems. Based on the 4Q impact framework, the model brings together common objectives, indicators and follow-up mechanisms to assess how higher education institutions contribute to students, working life and society over time.
Building a shared understanding of impact
The 4Q universities of applied sciences share a common ambition: to significantly strengthen skills capital in working life in ways that support sustainable development. From an educational perspective, this includes promoting student well-being, increasing the number of higher education graduates, advancing educational equality and supporting employment that matches graduates’ qualifications.
However, impact management is about more than indicators alone. Ongoing dialogue between the partner institutions is essential for creating a shared direction and understanding of what meaningful impact looks like in practice.
One of the most significant achievements so far has been the development of a student well-being monitoring model. A well-being survey developed at Diak and implemented through the ZekkiPro system has already gathered approximately 3,000 student responses. The results show that students’ financial situation plays a major role in their well-being and that groups requiring additional support can be identified more effectively than before. The findings also reinforce the link between well-being, academic progress and successful degree completion.
A new perspective on impact and funding
The 4Q network has also developed a model for assessing the impact of degree education. The model introduces a broader perspective on evaluating higher education outcomes by taking into account students’ starting points, as well as the effects of education on employment and competence development.
The long-term objective is to generate research-based evidence that could help shape future higher education funding models, placing greater emphasis on impact, student well-being and high-quality labour market outcomes alongside traditional performance measures.
By 2028, the project aims to establish the impact framework across the 4Q universities of applied sciences, integrate the indicators into institutional information systems and strengthen staff expertise in impact-oriented management. The long-term vision is a higher education sector where decision-making and resource allocation are guided by systematically collected and analysed impact data.
What is 4Q?
The 4Q network is a strategic collaboration and development programme launched by four Finnish universities of applied sciences: Arcada, Diak, Humak and KAMK. Funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, the initiative aims to combine the institutions’ expertise, resources and strengths to improve access to education and increase the societal impact of higher education.
