Growth for the Future
The year 2023 was a very successful operational year from the perspective of Jamk’s core missions. The financial figures were also satisfactory.
Attention was given to the smooth progress of studies and guidance. Pedagogical models that recognise student diversification and technological development played a crucial role in education and guidance. The results show achievements: a total of 1,173 bachelor’s degrees were awarded, which is nearly 15 percent more than the previous year. The number of master’s degrees (330) reached an all-time record, representing a 27 percent increase from the previous year.
Out of Jamk’s ten thousand degree students, 1,100 were international students. The number of international degree students has grown almost 50 percent during the 2020’s, which largely explains Jamk’s overall student enrollment increase. In 2023, international students also contributed proportionally to the total number of degrees awarded.
Jamk has experienced particularly strong growth in applied research and development in recent years. The total volume of activities amounted to 22 million euros, slightly higher than the previous year, and external funding secured (16.5 million euros) was the largest in Jamk’s history. In research and development projects, Jamk collaborates with the business and industry to enhance shared expertise. Jamk’s membership in the European University Alliance EUDRES was strengthened when the European Commission granted significant funding for the coming years. This notably enhances Jamk’s opportunities for increased European research and development funding.
Jamk’s third mission is providing services based on education and research. The most significant growth in the approximately 12 million euros of activity came from international service business, especially paid degree programmes. Education exports were primarily conducted with India, China, and Central Asia.
Our revenue has grown significantly in recent years. In 2023, it reached nearly 80 million euros. External research funding and service business accounted for 35 percent of this revenue. The annual result was positive at 1.5 million euros. Based on revenue, Jamk ranks among the top five universities of applied sciences.
At the end of the year, Jamk had 912 employees. Personnel costs increased by about five percent compared to the previous year but remained well within budget. According to the 2023 employee survey, overall job satisfaction within Jamk was at a good level. However, the crises of the 2020s and the challenges in public finances as well as the expectations placed on higher education continue to create pressure for the university community.
The new government program and preparations for the next agreement period with the Ministry of Education and Culture have sharpened Jamk’s focus regarding the work on the future. Membership in the European University, close collaboration with Gradia and the University of Jyväskylä, and key national higher education partners remain crucial. Jamk aims to take responsibility for developing and internationalising the expertise of the local workforce and business life in Central Finland.
I extend my gratitude to the Jamk community and our partners for their dedicated work and invite everyone to build meaningful and impactful cooperation now and in the future!
